Question 1: Define condensation polymerisation in your own words.

Answer: Condensation polymerisation is a chemical process where monomers with two or more functional groups react to form a polymer, releasing small molecules such as water or methanol as by-products.

Question 2: Which of the following is a typical by-product of condensation polymerisation? A) Oxygen B) Water C) Carbon dioxide D) Hydrogen gas

Answer:

Question 3: Fill in the blank: In condensation polymerisation, monomers with at least ____ functional groups react to form long-chain polymers.

Answer: two

Question 4: Describe the general mechanism of condensation polymerisation involving di-functional monomers.

Answer: Di-functional monomers with two reactive groups, such as -OH or -COOH, react by forming covalent bonds, releasing small molecules like water. This process repeats, creating long-chain polymers through a stepwise reaction.

Question 5: Name two common condensation polymers used in industry and their primary applications.

Answer: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) used in textiles and bottles, and Nylon used in fabrics and industrial fibres.

Question 6: Calculate the molecular weight of a polymer formed from 10 repeat units of ethylene glycol (molecular weight 62 g/mol) and terephthalic acid (molecular weight 166 g/mol), assuming complete reaction and no other components.

Answer: Calculating total molecular weight: (10 × 62) + (10 × 166) = 620 + 1660 = 2280 g/mol

Question 7: Propose a simple experimental setup to synthesise a condensation polymer, including the key variables and safety precautions.

Answer: A typical setup involves heating a mixture of diacid and diol monomers in a sealed reaction vessel under controlled temperature, with stirring. Variables include temperature, reaction time, and monomer ratios. Safety precautions include wearing gloves and eye protection, ensuring proper ventilation, and avoiding overheating which could cause pressure build-up or decomposition.

Question 8: Explain how the release of small molecules like water influences the reaction conditions and equilibrium in condensation polymerisation.

Answer: The removal of small molecules like water shifts the equilibrium towards polymer formation by Le Châtelier's principle, promoting longer chain growth and higher polymer yield.

Question 9: In a scenario where the by-product is not removed during polymerisation, what effect does this have on the reaction?

Answer: If the by-product is not removed, the reaction equilibrium shifts backwards, reducing the efficiency of polymer formation and resulting in shorter chains or incomplete polymerisation.

Question 10: Discuss the environmental advantages of using condensation polymers like PET and Nylon in everyday products.

Answer: Condensation polymers such as PET and Nylon are durable, recyclable, and can be processed into fibres and bottles, reducing reliance on non-renewable resources. Their recyclability helps minimise waste and environmental pollution, especially when properly collected and processed. Additionally, their manufacturing processes can be optimised for energy efficiency, contributing to sustainability.