Question 1:
Figure 4.6 shows the structure of a polymer.
(a) How many types of monomers are needed to produce this polymer?
(b) Draw and name the monomers involved.
Answer:
(a) One type
(b)
Figure 4.6 shows the structure of a polymer.
(a) How many types of monomers are needed to produce this polymer?
(b) Draw and name the monomers involved.
Answer:
(a) One type
(b)
Question 2:
Synthetic polymers are stronger and more durable compared to natural polymers. Justify the use of synthetic polymers in our daily lives.
Answer:
Synthetic polymers can be used because:
• Synthetic polymers that are light and strong are used in the production of plastic bags to fill goods or food because they are cheap and easily available.
• Synthetic polymers also have inert and non-reactive properties that are used in the production of PVC pipes due to their resistance to corrosion.
• Environmental pollution caused by the use of synthetic polymers can be overcome by using green technology approaches in waste management, adopting 3R measures (reduce, reuse and recycle) and using biodegradable or photodegradable synthetic polymers.
Alternative:
The use of synthetic polymers is inappropriate:
• Most synthetic polymers are durable and non biodegradable.
• Improper disposal of synthetic polymers, such as plastic bottles and containers, causes the clogging of the drainage system which is one of the reasons why flash floods occur.
• Burning almost all polymers openly will release acidic and toxic gases that cause air pollution, such as the release of:
(i) carbon dioxide gas that causes the greenhouse effect.
(ii) toxic carbon monoxide.
Synthetic polymers are stronger and more durable compared to natural polymers. Justify the use of synthetic polymers in our daily lives.
Answer:
Synthetic polymers can be used because:
• Synthetic polymers that are light and strong are used in the production of plastic bags to fill goods or food because they are cheap and easily available.
• Synthetic polymers also have inert and non-reactive properties that are used in the production of PVC pipes due to their resistance to corrosion.
• Environmental pollution caused by the use of synthetic polymers can be overcome by using green technology approaches in waste management, adopting 3R measures (reduce, reuse and recycle) and using biodegradable or photodegradable synthetic polymers.
Alternative:
The use of synthetic polymers is inappropriate:
• Most synthetic polymers are durable and non biodegradable.
• Improper disposal of synthetic polymers, such as plastic bottles and containers, causes the clogging of the drainage system which is one of the reasons why flash floods occur.
• Burning almost all polymers openly will release acidic and toxic gases that cause air pollution, such as the release of:
(i) carbon dioxide gas that causes the greenhouse effect.
(ii) toxic carbon monoxide.