Predicting the type of polymerisation
Cambridge A-Level Chemistry (9701) · Unit 35: Polymerisation (A Level) · 7 flashcards
Predicting the type of polymerisation is topic 35.2 in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry (9701) syllabus , positioned in Unit 35 — Polymerisation (A Level) , alongside Condensation polymerisation and Degradable polymers. In one line: Addition polymerisation produces no other products besides the polymer itself. Condensation polymerisation forms a small molecule byproduct, such as water or HCl, along with the polymer.
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 — 2 definitions and 5 key concepts — covering the precise wording mark schemes reward. Use the 2 definition cards 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.
The key difference in byproducts formed between addition and condensation polymerisation
Addition polymerisation produces no other products besides the polymer itself. Condensation polymerisation forms a small molecule byproduct, such as water or HCl, along with the polymer.
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.
- predict the type of polymerisation reaction for a given monomer or pair of monomers
- deduce the type of polymerisation reaction which produces a given section of a polymer molecule
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.
What type of polymerisation reaction would you expect for a monomer containing a carbon-carbon double bond?
A carbon-carbon double bond indicates the monomer will undergo addition polymerisation. The double bond breaks, allowing the monomers to join together directly to form a long chain.
What is the key difference in byproducts formed between addition and condensation polymerisation?
Addition polymerisation produces no other products besides the polymer itself. Condensation polymerisation forms a small molecule byproduct, such as water or HCl, along with the polymer.
What functional groups must be present in monomers for condensation polymerisation to occur?
Condensation polymerisation requires monomers with two functional groups that can react to form a new bond. Common examples include -OH (alcohol/carboxylic acid) and -NH₂ (amine) groups.
Given a polymer backbone containing ester linkages (-COO-), what type of polymerisation reaction produced it?
Ester linkages are formed via condensation polymerisation, specifically esterification. This reaction requires a carboxylic acid and an alcohol monomer.
How does the empirical formula of the monomer compare to the repeating unit of the polymer in addition polymerisation?
The empirical formula of the monomer is the same as that of the repeating unit within the polymer in addition polymerisation, because no atoms are lost during the reaction.
A polymer contains amide linkages (-NHCO-). What type of monomers were used in its formation?
Amide linkages are formed from condensation polymerisation reactions between a carboxylic acid and an amine. The resulting polymer is a polyamide.
What type of polymerisation is used to create polyethylene from ethene?
Polyethylene is created via addition polymerisation of ethene (C₂H₄). The double bond in ethene breaks, allowing the monomers to join and form the polymer chain.
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All Chemistry FlashcardsMore topics in Unit 35 — Polymerisation (A Level)
Predicting the type of polymerisation sits alongside these A-Level Chemistry decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Key terms covered in this Predicting the type of polymerisation deck
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