4 (a)
Table 3 shows data about polymer bags used by customers of UK supermarkets - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 4
4 (a)
Table 3 shows data about polymer bags used by customers of UK supermarkets.
| Year | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 |
|------|-... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:4 (a)
Table 3 shows data about polymer bags used by customers of UK supermarkets - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe what happens in a polymerisation reaction.
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Answer
In a polymerisation reaction, many small molecules known as monomers, such as ethene, join together to form long chains called polymers. This process results in the formation of large molecules with repeating structural units.
Step 2
Describe the trend in the number of bags used per year between 2006 and 2014.
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Answer
From 2006 to 2009, the number of bags used decreased. However, from 2010 to 2014, the number of bags used increased each year. This indicates a fluctuation in usage over time.
Step 3
The trend in the number of bags used does not match the trend of the mass of bags used between 2012 and 2014. Suggest two reasons why.
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The bags may be thinner, which means their overall mass would be less even if the number of bags used increased.
The bags could be made smaller in size, leading to a reduction in mass despite an increase in the number of bags.
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 excessive waste may lead to a shortage of available land.
Many polymers are not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for a long time, causing pollution.
Step 5
Apart from reducing the use of landfill, give two reasons why more recycled polymer, instead of newly manufactured polymer, should be used to make supermarket carrier bags.
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Using recycled polymer reduces reliance on crude oil, a non-renewable resource.
It requires less energy to recycle polymers compared to producing new ones, which can decrease carbon dioxide emissions and lower global warming.
