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Polymerisation
The polymer produced from ethene monomers is poly(ethene) which is used to make 'plastic' bags.

Polymerisation

Polymers are long molecules made from repeating units. This GCSE Chemistry quiz looks at how polymers form, and how their structure links to properties and uses.

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Fascinating Fact:

Some polymers are flexible because their chains can slide past each other. Other polymers are rigid because the chains pack closely or have strong cross-links.

In GCSE Chemistry, polymerisation explains how small molecules called monomers join to make polymers with repeating units. You learn about addition polymerisation (often using alkenes) and condensation polymerisation (which also produces a small molecule, such as water). Understanding how polymers form helps you recognise repeat units, compare thermosoftening and thermosetting polymers, and link different polymer materials to real products like packaging, fibres, and household items.

Key Terms

  • Monomer: A small molecule that can join with others to form a polymer.
  • Polymer: A large molecule made from many repeating units linked together.
  • Repeat unit: The section of a polymer chain that repeats over and over, shown in brackets in a polymer formula.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is polymerisation in GCSE Chemistry?

Polymerisation is a reaction where many monomers join together to make a long-chain polymer. The polymer contains repeating units formed from the monomers.

What is the difference between addition and condensation polymerisation?

Addition polymerisation forms a polymer from unsaturated monomers without making any other products. Condensation polymerisation forms a polymer and also produces a small molecule such as water or hydrogen chloride.

How do you work out a repeat unit from a monomer?

For an alkene monomer, you draw the double bond opening to form single bonds, then place the repeating section in brackets with bonds going out on both sides to show the chain continues.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .
Polymerisation is the process of...
Making large molecules by joining many small molecules together
Making small molecules by breaking down large molecules
Splitting up molecules into their component atoms
Making new elements
This is the opposite of cracking
2 .
The small units that are used to make a polymer are called...
Isomers
Polymers
Monomers
Isotopes
Monomers are reactive small molecules
3 .
Name the polymer produced from ethene monomers.
Poly(propene)
Poly(ester)
Poly(ethene)
Poly(styrene)
Depending on the exact conditions, this can be low density, medium density or high density. Each type has its own specific uses
4 .
The building blocks of polymers are...
unsaturated
saturated
hydrogenated
catalysed
Unsaturated molecules are more reactive
5 .
What happens to the C to C double bond of ethene during polymerisation?
It becomes a triple bond
It remains a double bond
It breaks to become a single bond
It breaks and then reforms
This is how the ethene molecules join to form the polymer
6 .
Carbon and hydrogen are held together by which type of bonding?
Metallic
Covalent
Hydrogen
Ionic
Covalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between non-metal atoms
7 .
Name the monomer used to produce (poly)styrene.
Propene
Vinyl chloride
Ethene
Styrene
Expanded polystyrene is still a popular packaging material, however, it is gradually being replaced by other more eco-friendly materials
8 .
Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of polymers.
They are not biodegradable
They fill landfills
They produce toxic gases when burnt
Easy to shape and strong for their weight
They can be moulded into shape whilst they are hot and they keep their shape when cooled. The temperatures required are much lower than the temperatures needed to mould metals in the same way
9 .
A polymer with strong intermolecular forces is called a...
Thermoset
Thermoplastic/softening
Thermopolymer
Thermomonomer
Thermosetting polymers are usually harder and less flexible because of the 'cross-linking' of polymer chains
10 .
Which of the following is NOT a use for a thermoset polymer?
Printed circuit boards
Electrical sockets
Carrier bags
Mattresses
They have the wrong properties to be used for carrier bags
You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Polymers

Author:  Kate Gardiner (Chemistry Educator & GCSE Quiz Writer)
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