Difference between revisions of "Polymer"
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| + | [[File:Polythene.png|right|300px|thumb|A [[polymer]] is represented by showing the part that is repeated over and over. The 'n' represents the fact that it is repeated many times.]] | ||
A [[polymer]] is a large [[molecule]] made of many identical smaller [[molecule]]s called [[monomer]]s. | A [[polymer]] is a large [[molecule]] made of many identical smaller [[molecule]]s called [[monomer]]s. | ||
Revision as of 19:34, 1 January 2019
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A polymer is a long molecule made by reacting together several smaller molecules.
About Polymers
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| This diagram shows several Ethene molecules reacting together to make a polythene molecule. |
Different polymers can have different properties but generally polymers are:
- Easily molded into shape.
- Solid at room temperature.
- Plastic in behaviour.
- An Electrical Insulator.
| Polymer | Properties | Application |
| Polythene | Plastic, Strong, Ductile | Shopping bags |
| PVC | Plastic, Electrical Insulator, Strong | Covering of electrical wires. |
| Nylon | Plastic, Strong, Flexible, Ductile. | Clothing |
Key Stage 4
Meaning
File:Polythene.png
A polymer is represented by showing the part that is repeated over and over. The 'n' represents the fact that it is repeated many times.
A polymer is a large molecule made of many identical smaller molecules called monomers.
About Polymers
- Polymers are held together by covalent bonds.
- The monomers which make up a polymer are simple covalent molecules.
- Most polymers are made of chains of Carbon atoms since they can from up to 4 covalent bonds with adjacent atoms. However, some can be made from Silicon, which can also form 4 covalent bonds.
Examples
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| Polythene is a polymer made by reacting thousands of Ethene monomers. | PolyTetraFluoroEthene is a polymer made by reacting thousands of TetraFluoroEthene monomers. | PolyPropene is a polymer made by reacting thousands of Propene monomers. |