How to deduce the polymerisation reaction for any alkene
2 marks · EasyA sample of poly(chloroethene) (PVC) contains 600 repeat units. Each repeat unit has the formula .
Calculate the total number of chlorine atoms present in the polymer sample.
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600 chlorine atoms (±0)
Also accept: There is 1 chlorine atom per repeat unit, so 600 units × 1 = 600 chlorine atoms
Common mistakes: Multiplying by 2 (for both carbons) instead of recognising only one Cl per unit; Giving the answer as 1200
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · Identifies that there is one chlorine atom per repeat unit and sets up a multiplication.
A1 · 1 mark · Calculates total: 600 chlorine atoms.
Worked solution
Each repeat unit of poly(chloroethene) contains 1 chlorine atom.
Answer: 600 chlorine atoms