Question 1: Define condensation polymerisation in your own words.

Answer: A chemical process where monomers join together to form a polymer, with the elimination of small molecules such as water or methanol.

Question 2: Explain why water or other small molecules are released during condensation polymerisation.

Answer: Because the monomers react by removing a small molecule (like water) as they form covalent bonds, which helps link the monomers into a polymer chain.

Question 1: Name two common monomers involved in forming condensation polymers.

Answer: Examples include amino acids for proteins and hydroxy acids for polyesters.

Question 2: Describe the general steps involved in the formation of a polyester via condensation polymerisation.

Answer: Monomers with both hydroxyl and carboxyl groups react, forming ester bonds and releasing water molecules. These reactions repeat, creating long polymer chains.

Question 1: Calculate the number of water molecules released when 10 monomers of a diacid react with 10 diols to form a polyester.

Answer: 9 water molecules are released (since each link releases one water molecule, and the number of links is one less than the number of monomers).

Question 2: If a polymer chain contains 150 repeating units, how many small molecules (e.g., water) are expected to be released during its formation?

Answer: 149 small molecules are released.

Question 1: Identify three safety precautions to consider when conducting experiments related to condensation polymerisation.

Answer: Wearing safety goggles, working in a well-ventilated area, handling chemicals with care, and following proper disposal procedures.

Question 2: Describe a typical experimental setup to synthesize a polyester in a laboratory setting (theory only).

Answer: Mixing a diol and diacid in a flask, applying heat under reflux, and removing water continuously to drive the reaction forward, while ensuring safety measures are in place.

Question 1: A student observes that when two monomers react, a polymer forms, and water is released. Explain how this observation supports the concept of condensation polymerisation.

Answer: It shows that small molecules like water are eliminated during the formation of the polymer, which is characteristic of condensation polymerisation.

Question 2: In an industrial process, polymers are often produced in large quantities. Discuss one advantage and one challenge of scaling up condensation polymerisation processes.

Answer: Advantage: Efficient large-scale production of useful plastics. Challenge: Controlling reaction conditions to prevent defects and unwanted by-products.

Question 1: Name a common polyester used in clothing and describe how it is produced via condensation polymerisation.

Answer: Polyester (e.g., PET) used in clothing is produced by reacting terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol, releasing water and forming ester bonds.

Question 2: Explain one reason why condensation polymers are preferred in some industries over addition polymers.

Answer: Condensation polymers often have specific properties such as biodegradability or higher melting points, making them suitable for different applications.