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Bonding & StructureAQA

Polymers

Revise Polymers in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 22 exam-style questions and 21 flashcards. Use the notes, sample questions, and flashcards below to connect this topic to the rest of your GCSE revision plan.

Study this topic

1

The Chain Gang

Introduction2

How Polymers Are Made: Addition Polymerisation

Deep Dive3

Addition Polymerisation of Ethene

Diagram4

How It Works: Why Monomers Join Together

How It Works5

Thermosoftening vs Thermosetting Polymers

Comparison6

Key Definitions

Definitions7

Key Facts to Memorise

Key Facts8

Common Misconceptions

Misconceptions9

Memory Aids

Memory Aid10

Exam Focus

Exam Focus11

Exam Tips for Polymers

Exam Tips12

Knowledge Organiser: Polymers

Summary

Sample Flashcards

What is a polymer?
A large molecule made of many small repeating units (monomers) joined by covalent bonds
What is a monomer?
A small molecule that joins with others to form a polymer

Exam questions for Polymers

In addition polymerisation, what feature of monomer molecules allows them to join together?

  • A. A carbon-carbon double bond that opens to form new bonds
  • B. A hydroxyl (-OH) group that reacts with an amine group
  • C. A carboxyl (-COOH) group that loses a water molecule
  • D. A free electron that forms a new covalent bond
1 markfoundation

Explain why thermosetting polymers are rigid and do not melt when heated.

2 marksstandard

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22

exam-style questions

21

revision flashcards

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