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.
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.
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.
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.
Equipment
Molymods (optional).
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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.
