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Question 700 of 785 in Organic Chemistry

Disposal of addition polymers

1 mark · Easy

State why addition polymers such as poly(ethene) are considered non-biodegradable.

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They cannot be broken down by bacteria or micro-organisms in the environment.

Also accept: They do not break down naturally in the environment.; Bacteria cannot decompose addition polymers.

Common mistakes: They dissolve in water.; They are toxic.

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Marking points

B1 · 1 mark · States that addition polymers are non-biodegradable because bacteria or micro-organisms cannot break them down.

Worked solution

Addition polymers are non-biodegradable because they cannot be broken down by bacteria in the environment.

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