ExpertEasy1 markMultiple Choice
AQA GCSE · Question 08.6 · Organic chemistry
What type of polymer is polymer B?
What type of polymer is polymer B?
Answer options:
A.
Addition polymer
B.
Condensation polymer
C.
DNA
D.
Protein
How to approach this question
Consider how the polymer was formed in the previous question.
1. Did the monomers simply "add" together?
2. Was a small molecule, like water, eliminated during the reaction?
3. The type of polymerisation gives the polymer its name.
Full Answer
A.Addition polymer✓ Correct
The correct answer is Addition polymer. It is formed by an addition reaction where monomers add together without the loss of any atoms.
There are two main types of polymerisation:
1. **Addition Polymerisation:** This occurs when monomers (usually alkenes) with C=C double bonds react together. The double bond breaks, and the monomers add to each other to form a long chain. No other molecule is produced in the reaction. The empirical formula of the polymer is the same as the monomer. Polymer B is an example of an addition polymer.
2. **Condensation Polymerisation:** This involves monomers with two functional groups. When they react, they join together and a small molecule (often water) is eliminated (lost). Polyesters, polyamides (like nylon), and biological polymers like proteins and DNA are examples of condensation polymers.
Common mistakes
✗ Confusing addition and condensation polymerisation.
✗ Choosing a specific biological polymer like DNA or protein when the monomer is a synthetic one.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Chemistry Higher Tier Paper 2
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