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Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Chapter

Synthetic Polymers

107 practice questions

Start practising (107 questions)

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Practice questions

71–80 of 107

  1. Question 71

    3 marks · Normal

    Explain why a polyester molecule contains ester groups and describe how these groups are formed during polymerisation.

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  2. Question 72

    4 marks · Normal

    The table shows the properties of two polyesters.

    Properties of Polyesters A and B
    PolyesterMonomers UsedMelting Point / CTensile Strength
    Aethane-1,2-diol + benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid258High
    Bpropane-1,3-diol + benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid140Medium
    (a)

    State one similarity and one difference in the monomers used to make Polyesters A and B.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Using the data in the table, suggest a reason for the difference in melting point between Polyester A and Polyester B.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  3. Question 73

    1 mark · Normal

    Which of the following statements about polyesters is correct?

    1. A.Polyesters are formed by addition polymerisation of alkenes.
    2. B.Polyesters are made from diols and dicarboxylic acids by condensation polymerisation.
    3. C.Only one type of monomer is needed to form a polyester.
    4. D.No water is lost when making a polyester.
    Answer and check →

  4. Question 74

    2 marks · Normal

    Give one everyday use of polyesters and state one property of polyesters that makes them suitable for this use.

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  5. Question 75

    4 marks · Normal

    (a)

    Write a balanced chemical equation using structural formulae for the reaction between ethane-1,2-diol (HOCH2CH2OH) and butane-1,4-dioic acid (HOOCCH2CH2CH2COOH) to form a polyester and water.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Explain why the product formed is called a polyester.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →

  6. Question 76

    2 marks · Hard

    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").

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  7. Question 77

    5 marks · Hard

    The polymerisation of propane-1,3-diol and benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid forms a polyester. Propane-1,3-diol has the formula and benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid has the formula .

    (a)

    Draw the structural formula of both monomers.

    [2 marks]
    (b)

    Explain why water is eliminated when the two monomers react to form the polyester.

    [1 mark]
    (c)

    State one everyday use of polyesters produced in this way.

    [1 mark]
    (d)

    Name the type of polymerisation that occurs and give one reason for this classification.

    [1 mark]
    Answer and see the solution →

  8. Question 78

    2 marks · Hard

    Describe the main structural features that all polyesters have in common. Suggest why these features are important for the properties and uses of polyesters.

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  9. Question 79

    1 mark · Easy

    Draw the structure of the repeat unit of polylactic acid (PLA) formed from lactic acid monomers.

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  10. Question 80

    3 marks · Easy

    Lactic acid, which contains both a carboxylic acid group and an alcohol group in its molecule, can be used to make a biodegradable polyester.

    (a)

    State the two functional groups present in lactic acid that allow it to form a polyester.

    [1 mark]
    (b)

    Describe how a polyester such as PLA can be formed from lactic acid monomers.

    [2 marks]
    Answer and see the solution →