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Introduction to polymers for Edexcel A-level Chemistry
This page covers the following topics:
1. Polymer basics
2. Organic polymers
3. Addition and condensation polymers
Polymers are long chain molecules. They can occur naturally or be created in industry through chemical processes. Plastics are an example of a polymer made in the chemical industry.
Polymers can occur naturally and be made by all living organisms. DNA, proteins and starch are all examples of organic polymers that occur naturally.
The process in which monomer molecules join together in a chemical reaction and create polymer chains is called polymerisation. Addition and condensation polymerisation are two types of this chemical process in which polymers are formed.
1
Why are alkenes able to act as monomers?
They are unsaturated (have a double bond).
2
Which naturally occurring polymer encodes genetic instructions for living organisms?
DNA
3
Polyesters are formed from which type of polymerisation?
condensation polymerisation
4
What two monomers join in the formation of a polyester?
dicarboxylic acid and a diol
5
Match the organic polymer to the type of monomer it is made from.
1C , 2A, 3B
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