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Chemistry Quiz - Polymerisation (Questions)

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

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

The small units that are used to make a polymer are called...

[ ]	Isomers
[ ]	Polymers
[ ]	Monomers
[ ]	Isotopes

Name the polymer produced from ethene monomers.

[ ]	Poly(propene)
[ ]	Poly(ester)
[ ]	Poly(ethene)
[ ]	Poly(styrene)

The building blocks of polymers are...

[ ]	unsaturated
[ ]	saturated
[ ]	hydrogenated
[ ]	catalysed

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

Carbon and hydrogen are held together by which type of bonding?

[ ]	Metallic
[ ]	Covalent
[ ]	Hydrogen
[ ]	Ionic

Name the monomer used to produce (poly)styrene.

[ ]	Propene
[ ]	Vinyl chloride
[ ]	Ethene
[ ]	Styrene

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

A polymer with strong intermolecular forces is called a...

[ ]	Thermoset
[ ]	Thermoplastic/softening
[ ]	Thermopolymer
[ ]	Thermomonomer

10.

Which of the following is NOT a use for a thermoset polymer?

[ ]	Printed circuit boards
[ ]	Electrical sockets
[ ]	Carrier bags
[ ]	Mattresses

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Polymers

Chemistry Quiz - Polymerisation (Answers)

Polymerisation is the process of...

[x]	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

The small units that are used to make a polymer are called...

[ ]	Isomers
[ ]	Polymers
[x]	Monomers
[ ]	Isotopes

Monomers are reactive small molecules

Name the polymer produced from ethene monomers.

[ ]	Poly(propene)
[ ]	Poly(ester)
[x]	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

The building blocks of polymers are...

[x]	unsaturated
[ ]	saturated
[ ]	hydrogenated
[ ]	catalysed

Unsaturated molecules are more reactive

What happens to the C to C double bond of ethene during polymerisation?

[ ]	It becomes a triple bond
[ ]	It remains a double bond
[x]	It breaks to become a single bond
[ ]	It breaks and then reforms

This is how the ethene molecules join to form the polymer

Carbon and hydrogen are held together by which type of bonding?

[ ]	Metallic
[x]	Covalent
[ ]	Hydrogen
[ ]	Ionic

Covalent bonding involves the sharing of electrons between non-metal atoms

Name the monomer used to produce (poly)styrene.

[ ]	Propene
[ ]	Vinyl chloride
[ ]	Ethene
[x]	Styrene

Expanded polystyrene is still a popular packaging material, however, it is gradually being replaced by other more eco-friendly materials

Which of the following is NOT a disadvantage of polymers.

[ ]	They are not biodegradable
[ ]	They fill landfills
[ ]	They produce toxic gases when burnt
[x]	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