Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Chapter
Synthetic Polymers
107 practice questions
Topics covered
Practice questions
101–107 of 107
Question 101
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 102
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 103
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 104
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.
Question 105
8 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Polymers can be made using different methods, giving materials with different environmental impacts. Use your knowledge of both addition polymerisation and biodegradable polyesters to answer the following.
(a)[2 marks]Draw the displayed formula for the repeat unit of poly(propene), an addition polymer.
(b)Lactic acid (CH3CH(OH)COOH) can be used to make a biodegradable polyester called PLA (polylactic acid).
(i)[2 marks]Describe how lactic acid monomers join to form PLA. Include the type of reaction and the functional groups involved.
(ii)[2 marks]Draw the displayed formula for the repeat unit of polylactic acid (PLA).
(c)[2 marks]State one advantage of using biodegradable polyesters like PLA instead of addition polymers such as poly(propene) for disposable items.
Question 106
7 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Many artificial polymers have useful properties but create environmental concerns. Answer the following questions about their preparation and degradation.
(a)[2 marks]Describe how addition polymers such as poly(chloroethene) are prepared from their monomers, including the conditions needed.
(b)[2 marks]State and explain one main reason why addition polymers like poly(chloroethene) are not easily biodegradable.
(c)[3 marks]Explain why polyesters such as polylactic acid (PLA) are considered more biodegradable than addition polymers.
Question 107
8 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →This question is about the structures of polymers made by different processes.
(a)[2 marks]Draw the displayed formula for the repeat unit of poly(ethene), an addition polymer.
(b)Lactic acid, CH3CH(OH)COOH, can polymerise to form a biodegradable polyester (polylactic acid, PLA).
(i)[2 marks]Draw the structure of a lactic acid monomer, showing all atoms and bonds.
(ii)[2 marks]Draw the displayed formula for the repeat unit of polylactic acid (PLA), as formed from lactic acid.
(c)[2 marks]Explain why PLA is biodegradable, but poly(ethene) is not.