This key facts covers Key Facts to Memorise within Polymers for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Polymers in Bonding & Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 22 exam-style questions and 21 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 7 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
📌 Key Facts to Memorise
- Polymer = large molecule made of many repeating small units (monomers) joined by covalent bonds
- Monomer = the small molecules that join together to make a polymer
- Strong covalent bonds within the polymer chains
- Weak intermolecular forces between the chains
- Don't conduct electricity — no free electrons or ions
- Properties depend on: the monomer used, chain length, how chains are arranged
- Examples: polyethene (poly(ethene)), PVC, polystyrene, nylon
- Naming: poly(monomer name) — ethene → poly(ethene)
Quick Check: Why do polymers have relatively low melting points compared to giant covalent structures like diamond, even though both contain covalent bonds?
Polymers consist of separate molecular chains held together by weak intermolecular forces between chains — these are easily broken with relatively little energy. Diamond is a giant covalent structure where covalent bonds extend in all directions — melting requires breaking these strong covalent bonds, which takes enormous energy. The type of force that must be overcome during melting is completely different.
Practice questions for Polymers
In addition polymerisation, what feature of monomer molecules allows them to join together?
Explain why thermosetting polymers are rigid and do not melt when heated.