Bonding & StructureDiagram

Addition Polymerisation of Ethene

Part of Polymers — GCSE Chemistry

This diagram covers Addition Polymerisation of Ethene within Polymers for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Polymers in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 20 flashcards. This topic appears regularly enough that it should still be part of a steady revision cycle. It is section 3 of 11 in this topic. Focus on the labels, the relationships between parts, and the explanation that turns the diagram into an exam-ready answer.

Topic position

Section 3 of 11

Practice

20 questions

Recall

20 flashcards

📐 Addition Polymerisation of Ethene

Addition polymerisation showing ethene monomers forming poly(ethene) chain

Ethene monomers (CH₂=CH₂) undergo addition polymerisation. The double bonds open and monomers link together to form the long poly(ethene) chain. No atoms are lost in the process.

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Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Polymers. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

How Polymers Are Made: Addition Polymerisation How It Works: Why Monomers Join Together The Chain Gang Key Definitions

Practice 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

Quick Recall 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

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How Polymers Are Made: Addition Polymerisation

How It Works: Why Monomers Join Together