Disposal of addition polymers
2 marks · HardIncineration is sometimes used as a method of disposing of waste addition polymers. Explain one advantage and one disadvantage of disposing of addition polymers by incineration.
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Also accept: Advantage: Incineration reduces the volume of waste and can generate useful energy. Disadvantage: It releases harmful gases like carbon dioxide, contributing to air pollution or climate change.
Common mistakes: Saying incineration is always clean or always harmful without explanation.
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Marking points
B1 · 1 mark · Explains an advantage (e.g., reduces waste volume, produces energy).
B2 · 1 mark · Explains a disadvantage (e.g., releases pollutants, CO2 production, contributes to air pollution or climate change).
Worked solution
One advantage is that incinerating addition polymers reduces the volume of waste and can produce useful energy in the form of heat or electricity.
One disadvantage is that incineration releases carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gases, which contribute to air pollution and climate change.