Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Chapter
Synthetic Polymers
107 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
21–30 of 46 · Normal
Question 21
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which of the following best explains why addition polymers accumulate in landfill sites?
- A.Addition polymers are easily broken down by bacteria.
- B.Addition polymers are non-biodegradable.
- C.Addition polymers can be decomposed by sunlight quickly.
- D.Addition polymers are used only for recycling.
Question 22
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Give one reason why it is difficult to break addition polymers down in the environment. Suggest one way the environmental impact of waste plastics can be reduced.
Question 23
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →(a)[2 marks]Describe two reasons why poly(propene) is difficult to dispose of in the environment.
(b)[1 mark]Explain one benefit of recycling poly(propene) instead of disposing of it in landfill.
(c)[1 mark]Suggest one problem that might be caused by incinerating poly(propene).
Question 24
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Addition polymers are often disposed of by either landfill or incineration.
Explain why addition polymers are difficult to break down in the environment, and state one environmental problem caused by their accumulation.
Question 25
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Poly(ethene) is one of the most commonly used addition polymers. It is widely used for packaging, which leads to large amounts of waste.
(a)[1 mark]State what is meant by a non-biodegradable material.
(b)[2 marks]Describe two reasons why the accumulation of addition polymers such as poly(ethene) in landfill can be a problem for the environment.
(c)[1 mark]Suggest one way to reduce the amount of poly(ethene) waste entering landfill sites.
Question 26
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A city produces 950,000 tonnes of plastic waste each year. 70% of this is made up of addition polymers. Only 12% of the addition polymer waste is recycled, while the rest is sent to landfill.
Calculate the mass of addition polymer that is sent to landfill each year. Show your working.
Question 27
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State the names of the two different types of monomers that react together to form a polyester. For each type, give one example.
Question 28
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →(a)[2 marks]Describe what is meant by condensation polymerisation in the formation of polyesters.
(b)[2 marks]Draw the displayed formula for the repeat unit of a polyester made from ethane-1,2-diol and propane-1,3-dioic acid.
Question 29
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A polyester is formed from 10 molecules of butane-1,4-diol (HOCH2CH2CH2CH2OH) and 10 molecules of hexane-1,6-dioic acid (HOOCCH2CH2CH2CH2CH2COOH). Calculate the number of water molecules produced when these monomers react completely to form one long polyester chain.
Question 30
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Explain why a polyester molecule contains ester groups and describe how these groups are formed during polymerisation.