Addition Polymerisation Flashcards

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What is a polymer?

A polymer is a long chain molecule made when many small molecules join together.

What is a monomer?

A monomer is a small molecule that can join to other monomers to form a polymer.

What is meant by addition polymerisation?

Addition polymerisation is when many alkene monomers add together to make one long polymer, with no other products.

Why are alkenes used as monomers in addition polymerisation?

Alkenes have a carbon–carbon double bond that can open up and link to other molecules to form a chain.

What happens to the C=C double bond in an alkene during addition polymerisation?

The C=C double bond breaks open and forms two new single bonds to join the growing polymer chain.

In an addition polymerisation reaction, what is the only product formed?

The only product is the polymer; no small molecules like water are made.

How is the name of an addition polymer related to the name of its monomer?

The polymer is named by putting ‘poly( )’ around the monomer name, for example poly(ethene) from ethene.

What polymer is formed when many ethene molecules undergo addition polymerisation?

When many ethene molecules join by addition polymerisation, they form poly(ethene), also called polythene.

What does the small letter ‘n’ mean in an addition polymerisation equation?

It shows a very large number of monomer molecules or repeat units that join together to make the polymer.

Why do many addition polymers not easily break down in the environment?

They have strong carbon–carbon single bonds and are very unreactive, so they do not rot or biodegrade easily.

Revision Notes
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