Polymers are everywhere around you - from the plastic bottles...
Chemistry141 views·Updated 20 Jul 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 (CH₂=CH₂) join together to form the repeating unit [-CH₂-CH₂-]ₙ. Other examples include Teflon (non-stick coating) 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.
2
of 2
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 20 Jul 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 (CH₂=CH₂) join together to form the repeating unit [-CH₂-CH₂-]ₙ. Other examples include Teflon (non-stick coating) 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.
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