4 (a) Describe what happens in a polymerisation reaction - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 4
4 (a) Describe what happens in a polymerisation reaction.
4 (a) (ii) Describe the trend in the number of bags used per year between 2006 and 2014.
4 (a) (iii) Th... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4 (a) Describe what happens in a polymerisation reaction - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe what happens in a polymerisation reaction.
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Answer
During a polymerisation reaction, many small units called monomers join together to form long chains known as polymers. This process can involve multiple ethene molecules reacting to create larger molecular structures.
Step 2
Describe the trend in the number of bags used per year between 2006 and 2014.
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Answer
From 2006 until 2009, the number of bags used decreased. However, from 2009 to 2014, there was an increase in the number of bags used per year, showing a fluctuating pattern in usage.
Step 3
Suggest two reasons why.
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Answer
The bags are now designed to be thinner, which may lead to increased usage.
Many bags are now produced to be smaller, resulting in reduced material used for each bag, but potentially increasing the overall number used.
Step 4
Give two reasons why the amount of polymer put into landfill should be reduced.
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Landfill space is limited, and using it for polymer wastes valuable resources.
Many polymers are not biodegradable and can take a long time to decompose, posing environmental challenges.
Step 5
Apart from reducing the use of landfill, give two reasons why more recycled polymer should be used.
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Using recycled polymer reduces reliance on crude oil, which is a non-renewable resource, decreasing overall resource depletion.
Less energy is required to recycle polymers, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions and reduced global warming impact.
