Polymers are everywhere around you - from the plastic bottles...
Chemistry141 views·Updated Jun 9, 2026·2 pagesAQA GCSE Higher Triple Science C11 Study Notes
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Addition and Condensation Polymerisation
Addition polymerisation happens when loads of small molecules called monomers link up like a chain. These monomers are always alkenes (molecules with double bonds), such as ethene. The process needs high pressure, high temperature, and a catalyst to work properly.
Polyethene is the most common example - it's what makes your plastic bags, toys, and bottles. The chemical equation shows how ethene molecules join together to form the repeating unit ₙ. Other examples include Teflon and PVC (plastic pipes and window frames).
Condensation polymerisation works differently because each monomer needs two functional groups to join up. When they connect, they don't just form the polymer - they also kick out a small molecule like water (H₂O) or hydrogen chloride (HCl). Polyester is a classic example of this type.
Quick Tip: To spot addition polymers, look for alkene monomers. For condensation polymers, check if water or another small molecule is produced alongside the main polymer.
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Natural Polymers - The Body's Building Blocks
Your body is packed with natural polymers that keep you alive and functioning! Polysaccharides are carbohydrate polymers made from sugar monomers called monosaccharides. Glucose is the most important one, forming both starch (energy storage in plants) and cellulose (plant cell walls).
DNA is probably the most famous natural polymer - it stores all your genetic information in a double helix structure. Each monomer is called a nucleotide, containing a phosphate group, sugar, and base. The bases on opposite strands pair up to create cross-links that hold the two polymer chains together.
Proteins are the workhorses of your body, built from amino acids as monomers. There are 20 different amino acids, each with a unique R group that gives it special properties. These amino acids join through condensation reactions, just like synthetic condensation polymers.
Remember: Natural polymers follow the same basic rules as synthetic ones - small monomers joining to make giant molecules, but they're doing essential jobs in living organisms.
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Chemistry141 views·Updated Jun 9, 2026·2 pagesAQA GCSE Higher Triple Science C11 Study Notes
Heidi@_heidi.1989.
Polymers are everywhere around you - from the plastic bottles you drink from to the DNA in your cells. Understanding how these giant molecules form from tiny building blocks is crucial for chemistry, and once you grasp the basics, it...
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Addition and Condensation Polymerisation
Addition polymerisation happens when loads of small molecules called monomers link up like a chain. These monomers are always alkenes (molecules with double bonds), such as ethene. The process needs high pressure, high temperature, and a catalyst to work properly.
Polyethene is the most common example - it's what makes your plastic bags, toys, and bottles. The chemical equation shows how ethene molecules join together to form the repeating unit ₙ. Other examples include Teflon and PVC (plastic pipes and window frames).
Condensation polymerisation works differently because each monomer needs two functional groups to join up. When they connect, they don't just form the polymer - they also kick out a small molecule like water (H₂O) or hydrogen chloride (HCl). Polyester is a classic example of this type.
Quick Tip: To spot addition polymers, look for alkene monomers. For condensation polymers, check if water or another small molecule is produced alongside the main polymer.
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Natural Polymers - The Body's Building Blocks
Your body is packed with natural polymers that keep you alive and functioning! Polysaccharides are carbohydrate polymers made from sugar monomers called monosaccharides. Glucose is the most important one, forming both starch (energy storage in plants) and cellulose (plant cell walls).
DNA is probably the most famous natural polymer - it stores all your genetic information in a double helix structure. Each monomer is called a nucleotide, containing a phosphate group, sugar, and base. The bases on opposite strands pair up to create cross-links that hold the two polymer chains together.
Proteins are the workhorses of your body, built from amino acids as monomers. There are 20 different amino acids, each with a unique R group that gives it special properties. These amino acids join through condensation reactions, just like synthetic condensation polymers.
Remember: Natural polymers follow the same basic rules as synthetic ones - small monomers joining to make giant molecules, but they're doing essential jobs in living organisms.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Polymers
2Most popular content in Chemistry
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user