Photo AI
The following structure represents the repeating unit of a polymer used in the manufacture of contact lenses - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 20 - 2007 - Paper 1
Question 20
The following structure represents the repeating unit of a polymer used in the manufacture of contact lenses. Which one of the following is a correct statement abou... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The following structure represents the repeating unit of a polymer used in the manufacture of contact lenses - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 20 - 2007 - Paper 1
Step 1
Step 2
B. Two different monomers react to form the polymer, one with carboxyl groups and the other with hydroxyl groups.
Answer
This statement is correct because the polymerization likely involves one monomer with a carboxyl group and another with a hydroxyl group, leading to the formation of ester bonds.
Step 3
C. The total mass of the monomers is greater than the mass of the polymer formed because water is eliminated in the polymerisation reaction.
Answer
This statement is misleading, as in condensation polymerization, the mass loss is due to the formation of water, but the overall mass after the reaction will still align with conservation of mass principles.
Step 4
D. Each monomer contains both a carboxyl and a hydroxyl group which allows condensation polymerisation to take place, forming a polyester.
Answer
This statement is partially correct, but typically the reaction involves separate monomers. Additionally, not all monomers must contain both functional groups.