Polymer properties and problems
I can relate the uses of certain polymers to their properties and describe methods of reducing the problems associated with polymers.
Polymer properties and problems
I can relate the uses of certain polymers to their properties and describe methods of reducing the problems associated with polymers.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The uses of polymers are related to their properties.
- There are many problems associated with polymers (e.g. availability of raw materials, landfill, combustion).
- There are many advantages and disadvantages to recycling polymers (e.g. economical and environmental).
Keywords
Properties - Properties are features or characteristics of a substance that can be used to classify it, or describe how it behaves.
Landfill - Landfill is a waste disposal site. At landfill sites the waste is buried between layers of soil and other unreactive material.
Combustion - Combustion is an exothermic reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen.
Recycling - Recycling is a process that involves turning waste material into new products.
Raw materials - The starting materials used to make products are known as the raw materials. Wood, metal and crude oil are examples of raw materials.
Common misconception
Thinking that the polymer identification codes mean that all these polymers can be recycled as the symbols look similar to the recycling symbol.
Only some polymers can be recycled. These normally have the code 1 or 2.
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).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
