11.7

Polymers

6 flashcards to master Polymers

Smart Spaced Repetition

Rate each card Hard, Okay, or Easy after flipping. Your progress is saved and cards are scheduled for optimal review intervals.

Definition Flip

What type of reaction forms a polymer?

Answer Flip

Polymers are formed through a condensation reaction, where monomers join together and a small molecule, such as water, is eliminated.

Key Concept Flip

What is the general name for polymers formed from a reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol?

Answer Flip

Polyester. These polymers are formed through ester linkages between the carboxylic acid and alcohol monomers, with the elimination of water.

Key Concept Flip

What type of light is typically used to initiate polymerization reactions (like cracking)?

Answer Flip

Ultraviolet (UV) light, sunlight, or bright light can be used to initiate polymerization. This provides the energy to break bonds and start the chain reaction.

Key Concept Flip

Identify the type of bond between carbon atoms within the repeat unit of a saturated addition polymer.

Answer Flip

A single covalent bond exists between the carbon atoms in the saturated polymer's repeat unit. Each carbon atom also forms single bonds to other atoms or groups, typically hydrogen.

Example: in poly(ethene), -[CH₂-CH₂]-, the carbon atoms are linked by single bonds and each carbon is bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
Key Concept Flip

What are the monomers that combine to form PET (polyethylene terephthalate)?

Answer Flip

PET is formed from ethan-1,2-diol (HO-CH₂-CH₂-OH) and propan-1,3-dioic acid (HOOC-CH₂-COOH) via condensation polymerization.

Key Concept Flip

What does 'M1' (Mark 1) often refer to when drawing polymer structures in IGCSE Chemistry exams?

Answer Flip

M1 often refers to the correct displayed formula of the C=C double bond in the unsaturated monomer, including continuation bonds extending from the carbon atoms. This indicates that the monomer will undergo polymerization.

Example: when drawing poly(ethene), M1 often indicates the correct structure of ethene (CH₂=CH₂) with continuation bonds extending from each carbon.

Review the material

Read revision notes with definitions, equations, and exam tips.

Read Notes

Test yourself

Practice with MCQ questions to check your understanding.

Take Quiz
11.6 Esters 12.1 Experimental design

Key Questions: Polymers

What type of reaction forms a polymer?

Polymers are formed through a condensation reaction, where monomers join together and a small molecule, such as water, is eliminated.

About Polymers (11.7)

These 6 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Polymers for your Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

What You'll Learn

How to Study Effectively

Use the Study Mode button above to test yourself one card at a time. Try to answer each question before flipping the card. Review cards you find difficult more frequently.

Continue Learning

After mastering Polymers, explore these related topics: