4hOrganic Chemistry
Synthetic polymers — Edexcel Modular - OL (Chemistry) Revision Notes & Topical Questions
5 min read 7 parts Lesson 8 of 8 2 quizzes
Lesson summary
Synthetic polymers Edexcel O Level Modular Chemistry notes: know that an addition polymer is formed by joining up many small molecules called monomersDraw repeat unit with extension bonds and n.Poly(ethene) used for plastic bags; PVC for pipes.know that an addition polymer is for…
- Synthetic polymers Edexcel O Level Modular Chemistry: what to do next
- Addition polymerisation
- Condensation polymerisation
- Non-biodegradable
- Give / State / Name
- Evaluate / Assess
Section 1 of 7Process & sequence
- Monomers (C=C)
- C=C opens
- Chain forms
- Polymer
Disposal problems
Landfill – non-biodegradable
Burning – toxic gases
Recycling – sorting needed
Section 2 of 7Keep going
Synthetic polymers Edexcel O Level Modular Chemistry: what to do next
These Synthetic polymers Edexcel O Level Modular Chemistry notes covered the key ideas, worked examples and exam technique for this topic. Check your Synthetic polymers Edexcel O Level Modular Chemistry understanding with the practice questions below, then reread any Synthetic polymers Edexcel O Level Modular Chemistry point you were unsure about before moving on.
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Previous lesson: 4.3 Esters — Notes
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Official syllabus: Pearson Edexcel International GCSEs
Section 3 of 7Compare
| Feature | Addition | Condensation | Example monomer | Example polymer | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monomer | Alkene (C=C) | Two functional groups | Ethene | Poly(ethene) | — |
| By-product | None | Water/small molecule | Diol + dicarboxylic acid | Polyester | — |
| Monomer types | Usually one | Usually two | Diamine + diacid | Nylon (polyamide) | — |
| Uses | Bags, bottles | Clothing fibres | Chloroethene | PVC | — |
Section 4 of 7Key terms
Section 5 of 7Syllabus checklist
1
know that an addition polymer is formed by joining up many small molecules called monomers
2
understand how to draw the repeat unit of an addition polymer, including poly(ethene), poly(propene), poly(chloroethene) and (poly)tetrafluoroethene
3
understand how to deduce the structure of a monomer from the repeat unit of an addition polymer and vice versa
4
explain problems in the disposal of addition polymers, including
- - their inertness and inability to biodegrade - the production of toxic gases when they are burned.
- 4.48C know that condensation polymerisation
- in which a dicarboxylic acid reacts with a diol
- produces a polyester and water 4.49C understand how to write the structural and displayed formula of a polyester
- showing the repeat unit
- given the formulae of the monomers from which it is formed including the reaction of ethanedioic acid and ethanediol: selecting appropriate techniques - demonstrate or describe appropriate experimental and investigative methods
- including safe and skilful practical techniques - make observations and measurements with appropriate precision
- record these methodically and present them in appropriate ways - identify independent
- dependent and control variables - use scientific knowledge and understanding to analyse and interpret data to draw conclusions from experimental activities that are consistent with the evidence - communicate the findings from experimental activities
- using appropriate technical language
- relevant calculations and graphs - assess the reliability of an experimental activity - evaluate data and methods taking into account factors that affect accuracy and validity
Section 6 of 7Command terms
Command terms
Give / State / Name
Recall a fact; one idea per mark.
Define
Give the exact meaning using the specification keywords.
Describe
Give an account of what happens / the pattern in data, quoting values; no reasons needed.
Explain
Give reasons with linked statements (cause → effect). Each linked step is usually a separate marking point.
Suggest
Use knowledge in a new context; more than one answer may be accepted.
Compare
Similarities and differences; each point must refer to both items.
Calculate
Show working; include units; check significant figures. Method marks are given even if the final answer is wrong.
Discuss
Explore the issue from different angles and link the points.
Evaluate / Assess
Weigh strengths and weaknesses and reach a supported judgement.
Deduce
Draw a conclusion from the information given.
Justify
Support a statement/choice with evidence.
Section 7 of 7Exam technique
Keywords the mark scheme looks for in this lesson
Keywords the mark scheme looks for in this lesson
Polymer · Monomer · Addition polymerisation · Condensation polymerisation · Repeat unit · Non-biodegradable
Learn each definition in the Key words tab exactly; a missing keyword in a definition usually loses the mark.
How to get full marks (examiner guidance)
How to get full marks (examiner guidance)
Use specification keywords exactly (e.g. electronegativity, nucleophile, dynamic equilibrium, activation energy).
Link ideas
Link ideas for “explain” each marking point is usually a cause → consequence step; unlinked facts often score nothing.
Use the information in the question
“discuss/evaluate” answers must use the data provided and match the number of marks.
Convert units carefully (mg → g, cm³ → dm³) and show working for calculations.
Avoid vague words
“it”, “stuff”, “things”, “goes up”, “energy is made”. Name the substance and the process.
Do not extrapolate a graph line beyond the data or to zero unless asked.
Six-mark extended responses are marked on content AND a logical, linked line of reasoning.
Marked practiceQuizzes for this lesson
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