Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Chapter
Synthetic Polymers
107 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
41–46 of 46 · Normal
Question 41
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Polyesters are condensation polymers that are more biodegradable than many addition polymers.
(a)[1 mark]State what is meant by a condensation polymerisation reaction.
(b)[3 marks]With reference to chemical bonding, explain why polyesters can be biodegraded more easily than addition polymers.
Question 42
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Lactic acid has the formula . When making a biodegradable polyester such as polylactic acid (PLA), lactic acid monomers react with each other to form a long polymer chain.
Explain, using your knowledge of its structure, how lactic acid can form a biodegradable polyester like PLA from a single type of monomer.
Question 43
6 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Addition polymers and condensation polymers such as polyesters are used widely in packaging and fabrics. Answer the following questions about these materials.
(a)[1 mark]State what makes addition polymers, such as poly(ethene), difficult to dispose of in the environment.
(b)[2 marks]Landfill and incineration are two ways of disposing of addition polymers. Give one advantage and one disadvantage of using landfill compared to incineration.
(c)[2 marks]Describe briefly how a polyester is made by condensation polymerisation.
(d)[1 mark]Suggest one advantage in terms of disposal if more consumer products were made using polyesters instead of addition polymers.
Question 44
6 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →The use and disposal of polymers is an important topic in chemistry. Answer the following structured questions.
(a)[1 mark]State the two main methods used to dispose of addition polymers.
(b)[2 marks]Explain why addition polymers, such as poly(propene), persist in the environment for a long time.
(c)[2 marks]Complete the word equation for the formation of a polyester by condensation polymerisation:
(d)[1 mark]Suggest one environmental benefit of using condensation polymers, like some polyesters, over addition polymers.
Question 45
6 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →A company makes 1200 kg of polyester each day by condensation polymerisation, starting from a diol and a dicarboxylic acid. Poly(ethene), an addition polymer, is also made in the same factory.
(a)[1 mark]During polyester formation, a small molecule is eliminated in the reaction. Name this small molecule.
(b)[3 marks]Calculate the total mass of this eliminated small molecule if 1200 kg of polyester is produced and the elimination forms 19% of the total mass of products. Give your answer to the nearest kg.
(c)[2 marks]Addition polymers do not eliminate any small molecule in their formation. Suggest how this difference affects the disposal of polyesters compared to addition polymers.
Question 46
6 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Read the text and answer the questions that follow.
A city council is deciding whether to promote the use of polyesters in place of traditional addition polymers for packaging. They want to consider both environmental impact and chemical properties.
(a)[2 marks]Explain why many addition polymers are considered non-biodegradable.
(b)[2 marks]Describe the process by which polyesters are formed and how this is different from addition polymerisation.
(c)[2 marks]Suggest and explain one environmental benefit of using some polyesters instead of addition polymers for products that may be discarded into the environment.