Addition polymerisation
Cambridge A-Level Chemistry (9701) · Unit 20: Polymerisation · 7 flashcards
Addition polymerisation is topic 20.1 in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry (9701) syllabus , positioned in Unit 20 — Polymerisation . In one line: Addition polymerisation is a process where unsaturated monomers (containing C=C bonds) join together to form a long chain polymer. No atoms are lost during the process, unlike condensation polymerisation.
Marked as A2 Level: examined at A Level in Paper 4 (A Level Structured Questions) and Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation). It is not tested on the AS-only papers (Papers 1, 2 and 3).
The deck below contains 7 flashcards — 1 definition and 6 key concepts — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the definition card to lock down command-word answers (define, state), then move on to the concept and calculation cards to handle explain, describe, calculate and compare questions.
Addition polymerisation
Addition polymerisation is a process where unsaturated monomers (containing C=C bonds) join together to form a long chain polymer. No atoms are lost during the process, unlike condensation polymerisation.
What the Cambridge 9701 syllabus says
Official 2025-2027 spec · A2 LevelThese are the exact learning outcomes Cambridge sets for this topic. The candidate is expected to be able to do each of these on the relevant paper.
- describe addition polymerisation as exemplified by poly(ethene) and poly(chloroethene), PVC
- deduce the repeat unit of an addition polymer obtained from a given monomer
- identify the monomer(s) present in a given section of an addition polymer molecule
- recognise the difficulty of the disposal of poly(alkene)s, i.e. non-biodegradability and harmful combustion products
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 9701 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Define addition polymerisation.
Addition polymerisation is a process where unsaturated monomers (containing C=C bonds) join together to form a long chain polymer. No atoms are lost during the process, unlike condensation polymerisation.
Draw the repeat unit of poly(ethene).
The repeat unit of poly(ethene) is [-CH₂-CH₂-]ₙ. This represents the smallest repeating unit in the polymer chain, derived from the ethene monomer.
Draw the repeat unit of poly(chloroethene), also known as PVC.
The repeat unit of poly(chloroethene) (PVC) is [-CH₂-CHCl-]ₙ. Note the presence of the chlorine atom on one of the carbon atoms.
Identify the monomer used to form the addition polymer with the repeat unit [-CF₂-CF₂-]ₙ.
The monomer used to form this polymer is tetrafluoroethene (CF₂=CF₂). This is the monomeric unit that repeats to form the polymer chain.
What are two major environmental concerns associated with the disposal of poly(alkene)s?
Poly(alkene)s are non-biodegradable, meaning they do not break down naturally in the environment. Furthermore, combustion (burning) of poly(alkene)s can produce harmful products like toxic gases.
Explain why poly(alkene)s are generally non-biodegradable.
Poly(alkene)s are non-biodegradable due to the strong, non-polar carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds in their structure. These bonds are not easily broken down by microorganisms.
Describe a potential method for reducing the environmental impact of poly(alkene) disposal.
Recycling poly(alkene)s can reduce their environmental impact by reducing the need for new polymer production and diverting waste from landfills. Feedstock recycling can also break down polymers into useful monomers.
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