Polymers
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) · Unit 11: Organic chemistry · 6 flashcards
Polymers is topic 11.7 in the Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) syllabus , positioned in Unit 11 — Organic chemistry , alongside Formulae, functional groups and nomenclature, Alkanes and Alkenes. In one line: Polymers are formed through a condensation reaction, where monomers join together and a small molecule, such as water, is eliminated.
This topic is examined in Paper 1 (multiple-choice) and Papers 3/4 (theory), plus Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical / alternative to practical).
The deck below contains 6 flashcards — 1 definition, 2 key concepts and 3 identification cards — 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 application cards to handle explain, describe and compare questions.
What type of reaction forms a polymer
Polymers are formed through a condensation reaction, where monomers join together and a small molecule, such as water, is eliminated.
What the Cambridge 0620 syllabus says
Official 2026-2028 specThese are the exact learning objectives Cambridge sets for this topic. Match the command word (Describe, Explain, State, etc.) in your answer to score full marks.
- Describe Describe the reaction of ethanoic acid with: (a) metals (b) bases (c) carbonates including names and formulae of the salts produced
- Describe Describe the formation of ethanoic acid by the oxidation of ethanol: (a) with acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII) (b) by bacterial oxidation during vinegar production Supplement
- Describe Describe the reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol using an acid catalyst to form an ester Supplement
What type of reaction forms a polymer?
Polymers are formed through a condensation reaction, where monomers join together and a small molecule, such as water, is eliminated.
What is the general name for polymers formed from a reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol?
Polyester. These polymers are formed through ester linkages between the carboxylic acid and alcohol monomers, with the elimination of water.
What type of light is typically used to initiate polymerization reactions (like cracking)?
Ultraviolet (UV) light, sunlight, or bright light can be used to initiate polymerization. This provides the energy to break bonds and start the chain reaction.
Identify the type of bond between carbon atoms within the repeat unit of a saturated addition polymer.
A single covalent bond exists between the carbon atoms in the saturated polymer's repeat unit. Each carbon atom also forms single bonds to other atoms or groups, typically hydrogen.
What are the monomers that combine to form PET (polyethylene terephthalate)?
PET is formed from ethan-1,2-diol (HO-CH₂-CH₂-OH) and propan-1,3-dioic acid (HOOC-CH₂-COOH) via condensation polymerization.
When drawing the repeating unit of a polymer, what is the first key step to show?
The first key step is to correctly identify and draw the monomer unit, showing the carbon-carbon double bond opening to form single bonds. Draw the repeating unit in brackets with continuation bonds extending through the brackets on each side. This shows that the unit repeats to form the long polymer chain.
Key Questions: Polymers
What type of reaction forms a polymer?
Polymers are formed through a condensation reaction, where monomers join together and a small molecule, such as water, is eliminated.
Tips to avoid common mistakes in Polymers
- ● Learn the mechanism by which monomers join to create polymers and practice deriving the repeat unit from a given monomer structure.
- ● Learn to distinguish the structure of condensation polymers based on their monomers: ester linkages from amino acids; amide linkages from dicarboxylic acids and diamines.
- ● Distinguish ester linkages (-COO-) in polyesters from amide linkages (-CONH-) in polyamides — know the difference!
More topics in Unit 11 — Organic chemistry
Polymers sits alongside these Chemistry decks in the same syllabus unit. Each uses the same spaced-repetition system, so progress in one informs the next.
Cambridge syllabus keywords to use in your answers
These are the official Cambridge 0620 terms tagged to this section. Mark schemes credit responses that use the exact term — weave them into your answers verbatim rather than paraphrasing.
Key terms covered in this Polymers deck
Every term below is defined in the flashcards above. Use the list as a quick recall test before your exam — if you can't define one of these in your own words, flip back to that card.
Related Chemistry guides
Long-read articles that go beyond the deck — cover the whole subject's common mistakes, high-yield content and revision pacing.
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