Question 1: Explain the process of condensation polymerisation in your own words.

Answer: Condensation polymerisation is a chemical process where monomers join together, releasing small molecules like water or methanol, to form long-chain polymers.

Question 1: Name two common polymers formed by condensation polymerisation that are used in everyday consumer products.

Answer: Nylon and polyester

Question 2: Describe the role of monomers with two functional groups in condensation polymerisation.

Answer: Monomers with two functional groups react with each other, forming long chains and releasing small molecules such as water or methanol.

Question 1: Calculate the number of monomer units in a nylon 6,6 polymer chain that has a total molecular weight of 120,000 g/mol. (Molecular weight of one monomer unit = 226 g/mol)

Answer: Number of monomer units = 120,000 g/mol ÷ 226 g/mol ≈ 530

Question 1: Identify two safety precautions that should be taken when synthesising condensation polymers in a laboratory setting.

Answer: Wearing protective gloves and goggles; ensuring proper ventilation to avoid inhalation of fumes.

Question 2: Suggest a variable that could be changed in a reaction to increase the yield of a condensation polymer.

Answer: Increasing the concentration of monomers or removing the small molecule (water or methanol) as the reaction proceeds.

Question 1: A factory produces polyester fibres with a typical polymer chain of 1000 monomer units. If the molecular weight of each monomer is 192 g/mol, estimate the total molecular weight of the polymer chain.

Answer: Total molecular weight = 1000 × 192 g/mol = 192,000 g/mol

Question 1: Explain how condensation polymerisation is utilised in the production of polyester clothing and its advantages.

Answer: Polyester clothing is made by condensing terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol to form polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This process produces strong, durable, and resistant fibres that are inexpensive to produce, quick-drying, and easy to care for, making them highly suitable for everyday clothing.