Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Chapter
Synthetic Polymers
107 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
1–10 of 18 · Hard
Question 1
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →The structure below shows part of a polymer chain.
State the name of the monomer used to make this polymer. Draw the displayed formula of the repeat unit for this polymer.
Question 2
5 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Describe how poly(ethene) is prepared in the chemical industry.
(a)[1 mark]State the name and formula of the monomer used to make poly(ethene).
(b)[2 marks]Write the equation for the polymerisation reaction, using displayed formulae for both the monomer and the polymer's repeat unit, and including 'n' notation.
(c)[1 mark]State the type of reaction used to produce poly(ethene).
(d)[1 mark]Describe the essential conditions needed for this reaction.
Question 3
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →A student is given the displayed formula for the repeat unit of a polymer:
Deduce the structural formula of the monomer, and write its name.
Question 4
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →The displayed formula below shows the repeat unit of a polymer formed by addition polymerisation.
State the name and molecular formula of the monomer that forms this polymer.
Question 5
5 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →A polymer contains the following repeat unit:
(a)[2 marks]Draw the displayed formula of the monomer used to make this polymer.
(b)[2 marks]Write the name and molecular formula of this monomer.
(c)[1 mark]Explain why the double bond in the monomer is important for the polymerisation reaction.
Question 6
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →The monomer CH2=CHCH2F can undergo addition polymerisation.
Write the formula for the repeat unit of the polymer formed and state its name.
Question 7
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Explain why addition polymers such as poly(propene) persist in the environment for very long periods. Suggest one environmental problem that may result from this persistence.
Question 8
5 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →A city is searching for ways to manage its addition polymer waste. Answer the following questions about the disposal of addition polymers.
(a)[1 mark]State what is meant by the term 'biodegradable'.
(b)[2 marks]Explain, using the structure of addition polymers, why most of them are not biodegradable.
(c)[2 marks]Describe two environmental problems caused by the build-up of non-biodegradable addition polymers.
Question 9
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Incineration is sometimes used as a method of disposing of waste addition polymers. Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of disposing of addition polymers by incineration.
Question 10
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →State the names of the two functional groups present in the monomers that react together to form a polyester. For each group, state the name of the organic compound type it is found on (use "diol" or "dicarboxylic acid").