Question 1: Describe the difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers in terms of their structure and how they respond to heat.

Answer: Thermoplastics have long polymer chains that can slide past each other, allowing them to be melted and reshaped repeatedly. Thermosetting polymers have cross-linked structures that prevent them from melting; once cured, they do not soften upon heating.

Question 2: Identify three common polymers used in everyday products and state one typical application for each.

Answer: Polyethylene - plastic bags; Polypropylene - food containers; Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - window frames.

Question 3: Explain why polymers like nylon or polyester are suitable for making textiles. Include at least two properties in your answer.

Answer: Polymers like nylon and polyester are suitable for textiles because they are lightweight, durable, and resistant to stretching and shrinking, making them ideal for clothing and fabrics.

Question 4: Design Brief: A company needs a lightweight, flexible, and transparent packaging material for fragile items. Write a brief description of the type of polymer you would recommend and justify your choice.

Answer: I recommend using a clear thermoplastic polymer such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) because it is lightweight, flexible, transparent, and has good impact resistance suitable for packaging fragile items.

Question 5: Sketch a simple cross-section of a thermoplastic polymer showing the arrangement of polymer chains. Label the chains and comment on how this structure allows the polymer to be reshaped when heated.

Answer: A correct sketch would show long, tangled chains of molecules with no cross-links, indicating the ability to slide past each other. Labels should identify the polymer chains and indicate the amorphous regions.

Question 6: List two environmental concerns associated with the widespread use of polymers and suggest one possible solution for each.

Answer: Concerns: Pollution due to non-biodegradable plastic waste; Solution: Increase recycling and develop biodegradable polymers. Concerns: Oil consumption for production; Solution: Promote use of recycled polymers and alternative sustainable materials.

Question 7: Explain how the addition of plasticisers affects the properties of a polymer such as PVC.

Answer: Adding plasticisers makes the polymer more flexible, softer, and easier to bend, which is useful for applications requiring pliability, like cables or flexible tubing.

Question 8: Develop a simple concept for a reusable coffee cup made from polymers. Include a sketch of your design and explain why your chosen materials are suitable.

Answer: Students should produce a sketch of a cup with a lid, possibly with a textured grip. The explanation should mention the use of durable, heat-resistant, and food-safe polymers like polypropylene or polyethylene, which are lightweight, resistant to heat, and suitable for repeated use.