Polymers
Polymers are very large molecules made from many small repeating units called monomers joined together.
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Polymers are very large molecules made from many small repeating units called monomers joined together.
- Addition polymers form from alkenes
- Poly(ethene) is a common plastic
- Condensation polymers release small molecules
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Polymers?
Within Chemistry, which covers atoms, bonding, reactions, the periodic table, organic chemistry and the chemistry of everyday life, this topic explains Polymers. Chemistry links what you can see in the lab to the particles and bonds behind it, so each topic here shows that link in a model.
Check that you can explain Polymers in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Polymers helps you explain why substances behave as they do, from cleaning products and food to medicines.
Polymers in detail
Polymers are very large molecules made by joining many small molecules, called monomers. In addition polymerisation, monomers with double bonds, such as ethene, join to form a long chain without losing any atoms, such as poly(ethene), PVC and poly(propene).
In condensation polymerisation, monomers with two functional groups join and release a small molecule such as water, forming polyesters and nylon. Properties depend on chain length and structure. Most plastics are not biodegradable, causing pollution, so recycling and biodegradable polymers are being developed.
How the interactive helps you understand Polymers
Click a card to flip it and reveal the answer, then move on to the next one.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Polymers.
Real-life uses and examples
- Link Polymers to everyday products such as cleaning agents, food and medicines.
- Read a chemical equation or diagram and work out what Polymers shows.
- Explain Polymers in an exam by linking the particles involved to what you observe.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up the names of substances or ions when you describe Polymers.
- Describing what happens without explaining the particles or bonds involved.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Polymers
What is Polymers?
Polymers are very large molecules made from many small repeating units called monomers joined together.
What are the most important points about Polymers?
The main points are: Addition polymers form from alkenes; Poly(ethene) is a common plastic; Condensation polymers release small molecules.
Why is Polymers useful?
Understanding Polymers helps you explain why substances behave as they do, from cleaning products and food to medicines.
How can I practise Polymers?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Polymers?
Related topics in Chemistry include Homologous Series and Functional Groups, Chromatography, Hard and Soft Water.