This memory aid covers Memory Aids 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 8 of 11 in this topic. Use it for quick recall, then test yourself straight afterwards so the memory aid becomes usable in an answer.
Topic position
Section 8 of 11
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
🧠 Memory Aids
MONO = one, POLY = many — like Monopoly! The board game Monopoly means "one seller" — mono (one) + poly (many properties, wait that doesn't quite work, but the mono/poly part sticks!). Monomer = one unit, Polymer = many units.
Addition polymerisation = ADD everything together: In addition polymerisation, ALL atoms are added into the chain — nothing is lost. This contrasts with condensation (which releases water molecules).
Naming polymers: "poly" brackets + monomer name. Ethene → poly(ethene). Propene → poly(propene). If you forget which comes first, remember you ADD the poly AT THE START.
Drawing repeat units in exams: Start from the monomer (CH₂=CH₂), change the double bond to single (CH₂-CH₂), put brackets around it, and add little bonds sticking out at each end (—[CH₂-CH₂]ₙ—).