Back to Chemistry Notes
polymers polymerisation
A LevelChemistry~4 min read
Overview
This lesson explores polymers, which are large molecules formed from repeating smaller units called monomers. We will delve into the two primary types of polymerisation: addition polymerisation and condensation polymerisation, understanding their mechanisms, products, and applications.
Introduction to Polymers and Monomers
Polymers are ubiquitous in modern life, ranging from natural biopolymers like DNA and proteins to synthetic plastics. At their core, polymers are macromolecules built from repeating smaller units called **monomers**. The process of forming a polymer from monomers is known as **polymerisation**. Unde...
Unlock 4 More Sections
Sign up free to access the complete notes, key concepts, and exam tips for this topic.
No credit card required · Free forever
Key Concepts
- Polymer: A large molecule (macromolecule) composed of many repeated smaller units called monomers.
- Monomer: A small molecule that can be linked together to form a polymer.
- Polymerisation: The chemical reaction in which monomers are joined together to form a polymer.
- Addition Polymerisation: A type of polymerisation where monomers add to one another in such a way that the polymer contains all the atoms of the monomer.
- +4 more (sign up to view)
Exam Tips
- →Clearly distinguish between addition and condensation polymerisation in your explanations, highlighting the presence/absence of a double bond in monomers and the elimination of small molecules.
- →Practice drawing repeat units for common polymers (e.g., poly(ethene), PVC, Terylene, Nylon 6,6) and deducing monomers from given polymer structures for both types of polymerisation.
- +1 more tips (sign up)
More Chemistry Notes