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
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. |
Applications and Properties
| Application | Polymer | Properties |
| Windows | Polymethylmethacrylate | Transparent - Light can pass through.
Flexible - Does not break or shatter when a force is applied. |
| Application | Polymer | Properties |
| Application | Polymer | Properties |
| Application | Polymer | Properties |