Polymers GCSE Exam-Style Questions

Question 1

Q1. Knowledge Recall (2 marks)

Define the term "homopolymer" and give an example.

Question 2

Q2. Knowledge Recall (2 marks)

State two types of addition polymers.

Question 3

Q3. Application of Knowledge (3 marks)

Explain why poly(ethene) is hydrophobic.

Question 4

Q4. Application of Knowledge (3 marks)

Describe the physical properties of a cross-linked polymer.

Question 5

Q5. Calculations (3 marks)

Calculate the relative formula mass of the monomer used to make a polymer with the empirical formula (C6H10O2)n.

Question 6

Q6. Data Analysis (4 marks)

The following data was collected during an experiment to measure the tensile strength of different polymers:

Polymer

Tensile Strength (MPa)

Polystyrene

30

Polyethylene

22

a) Which polymer has the highest tensile strength? (1 mark)

b) Compare the tensile strength of polyethylene and polystyrene. (2 marks)

c) Suggest one reason for the difference in tensile strength between the three polymers. (1 mark)

Question 7

Q7. Application of Knowledge (3 marks)

Explain how polymers are used in food packaging.

Question 8

Q8. Chemical Equation (4 marks)

Write the equation for the addition polymerization of ethene.

Question 9

Q9. Application of Knowledge (3 marks)

Describe the environmental impact of non-biodegradable polymers.

Question 10

Q10. Data Analysis (4 marks)

The mass of a sample of polymer was 0.25 g. When it was heated to 100 °C, it lost 0.05 g of water. Calculate the percentage of water in the sample.

Polypropylene

35

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