This question is about poly(ethene) and polyesters - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 2
Question 4
This question is about poly(ethene) and polyesters.
Poly(ethene) is produced from ethene.
Figure 3 shows part of the displayed structural formula equation for the ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:This question is about poly(ethene) and polyesters - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2021 - Paper 2
Step 1
Complete Figure 3
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Answer
The complete reaction can be represented as follows:
extnC2extH4→ext(C2extH4ext)n
This shows that ethene (C₂H₄) polymerizes to form poly(ethene) with the repeating unit (C₂H₄)ₙ.
Step 2
Suggest why poly(ethene) is easier to recycle than thermosetting polymers
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Answer
Poly(ethene) melts when heated, allowing it to be reshaped into new products. In contrast, thermosetting polymers do not melt and cannot be reshaped once set.
Step 3
How can different forms of poly(ethene) be produced from ethene?
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Answer
Different forms of poly(ethene) can be produced by using different reaction conditions, such as varying the temperature and pressure during polymerization.
Step 4
Explain why HDPE has a higher density than LDPE
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Answer
HDPE has unbranched polymer chains which allows the molecules to pack closely together, resulting in a higher density compared to LDPE, where the polymer chains are branched and less tightly packed.
Step 5
Draw a circle on Figure 5 around an alcohol functional group
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Answer
The alcohol functional group in Monomer B is indicated by circling the -OH group.
Step 6
Complete Table 2 to show the formula of the small molecule produced when:
- monomer A reacts with monomer B
- monomer A reacts with monomer C
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The small molecule produced when:
Monomer A reacts with Monomer B is H₂O (water).
Monomer A reacts with Monomer C is HCl (hydrochloric acid).
