Addition polymerisation
I can describe the formation of an addition polymer from its monomer.
Addition polymerisation
I can describe the formation of an addition polymer from its monomer.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A polymer is a substance of high average relative molecular mass made up of small repeating units.
- In addition polymerisation only one molecule is formed, e.g. addition polymerisation of ethene forms poly(ethene).
- Polymers have a specific displayed formula to show repeat units.
- A polymer's monomer can be deduced from its structure and vice versa.
- Addition polymers can be made by combining together a variety of monomer molecules containing C=C.
Keywords
Polymers - Polymers are long-chained molecules formed by joining together monomers.
Monomers - Monomers are small molecules that can join together to form a polymer.
Relative molecular mass - The relative molecular mass of a substance is the sum of the relative atomic masses of all the atoms in a molecule.
Addition polymerisation - Addition polymerisation is a type of polymerisation where monomers join together to form only one product; a polymer.
Repeating unit - The section of a polymer that repeats is known as the repeating unit.
Common misconception
Not including the bonds at the end of a repeating unit.
The slide deck states the need for open bonds to show how repeating units are bonded to each other.
Equipment
Molymods (optional).
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
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Exit quiz
6 Questions
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long-chained molecules formed by joining together monomers.
small molecules that can join together to form a polymer.
where monomers join together to form only one product.
a section of a polymer that repeats.
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