Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Chapter
Synthetic Polymers
107 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
11–20 of 46 · Normal
Question 11
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A sample of poly(ethene) contains 250 repeat units. Each repeat unit has the formula -CH2CH2-.
Calculate the total number of carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms in the polymer chain.
Question 12
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Poly(bromopropene) is made by the addition polymerisation of the monomer CH2=CHCH2Br.
Explain how you could deduce the structure of the monomer from the structure of the polymer poly(bromopropene).
Question 13
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The table below shows information about several polymers and their monomer units.
(a)Polymer and monomer data Polymer Monomer formula poly(ethene) CH2=CH2 poly(chloroethene) CH2=CHCl poly(fluoroethene) CH2=CHF (i)[1 mark]State the feature common to all these monomers that enables them to undergo addition polymerisation.
(ii)[2 marks]Explain, with reference to the table, how the structure of the repeat unit of poly(chloroethene) is related to its monomer.
(iii)[1 mark]Name one use of poly(chloroethene).
Question 14
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which structural change occurs when ethene polymerises to form poly(ethene)?
- A.The double bond between carbon atoms breaks to form single bonds
- B.A chlorine atom replaces one hydrogen atom
- C.The carbon chain becomes branched
- D.Two molecules combine with loss of water
Question 15
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A student is given a sample of a polymer with the following repeat unit:
Give:
(a)[1 mark]the name of the polymer
(b)[1 mark]the formula of the monomer used to make this polymer
Question 16
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The polymer poly(methylpropene) is formed from the monomer CH2=C(CH3)2.
(a)[1 mark]Draw the displayed formula of the monomer CH2=C(CH3)2.
(b)[2 marks]Show the displayed formula of the repeat unit of poly(methylpropene). Label the continuation bonds at each end.
(c)[1 mark]Explain why the repeat unit retains both methyl groups on the same carbon as in the monomer.
Question 17
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State two reasons why addition polymers, such as poly(ethene), create problems for disposal in the environment.
Question 18
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →(a)[1 mark]Explain what is meant by the term 'non-biodegradable' in the context of addition polymers.
(b)[2 marks]Describe two different methods used for disposing of waste addition polymers.
(c)[1 mark]For one of the methods you described in (b), give one environmental problem it can cause.
Question 19
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain why incineration of addition polymers is used in some countries. Discuss both an advantage and a disadvantage of this disposal method.
Question 20
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The table shows the percentage of plastic waste disposed of by three methods in two countries.
Country Landfill (%) Incineration (%) Recycling (%) Denmark 3 55 42 UK 65 7 28 (a)[1 mark]Which country disposes of a higher percentage of its plastic waste by recycling?
(b)[1 mark]Calculate the difference in the percentage of plastic waste sent to landfill between Denmark and the UK.
(c)[1 mark]Suggest one environmental reason why Denmark uses incineration much more than the UK.
(d)[1 mark]State one advantage of recycling plastics compared to landfill.