Cambridge IGCSE · Chemistry (0620)

Polymers: Practice Questions

5 multiple-choice questions marked as you go, and 5 written questions with worked solutions. All on Polymers.

10 questions28 marksFree, no account

Question 1

1 mark

Which statement correctly defines a polymer as described in the syllabus?

Question 2

1 mark

When poly(chloroethene) (PVC) is disposed of by burning in an incinerator, which toxic gas is released in significant quantities specifically due to the chlorine atoms in the polymer chain?

Question 3

1 mark

A synthetic condensation polymer is formed from a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine. What is the name of this type of polymer and the name of the linkage it contains?

Question 4

1 mark

Which of the following describes an environmental challenge specifically caused by the accumulation of synthetic polymers in the oceans?

Question 5

1 mark

Proteins are natural polymers. Which of the following correctly describes the monomers from which they are formed and the type of polymer they represent?

Question 6

3 marks

Describe how poly(ethene) is formed from its monomers during addition polymerisation.

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Question 7

6 marks

Amino acids have the general structure \( H_2N-CH(R)-COOH \). Explain why only one type of monomer is necessary to form a protein, whereas synthetic polyamides like nylon usually require two different types of monomers.

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Question 8

3 marks

A polyester can be represented by the following structure:
[-O-CH₂-CH₂-O-CO-C₆H₄-CO-]_n
Identify the two types of monomers required to synthesize this polymer and state the name of the linkage connecting them.

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Question 9

4 marks

Synthetic polymers have many useful properties, but their disposal presents significant environmental challenges.

(a) Describe two different environmental problems caused specifically by the accumulation of plastic waste in the world's oceans.
(b) Explain why the disposal of synthetic polymers in landfill sites is considered an unsustainable long-term strategy.
(c) When some plastics are disposed of by incineration (burning), toxic gases can be released. Name one toxic gas produced when polymers containing chlorine, such as PVC, are burned.

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Question 10

7 marks

Polymers are long-chain molecules formed from many smaller units called monomers.

(a) Describe the difference between addition polymerisation and condensation polymerisation in terms of the products formed.

(b) Nylon is a synthetic polyamide formed by condensation polymerisation.

(i) Name the two types of functional groups that react together to form the amide linkage in nylon.

(ii) Identify the small molecule that is eliminated during the formation of nylon.

(c) Drawing repeat units is essential to understanding polymer structure. Draw the repeat unit of poly(ethene), showing all atoms and bonds.

(d) State one environmental problem associated with the disposal of non-biodegradable plastics in oceans.

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