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Figure 2 shows the structure of a molecule of dichloroethene - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 4
Figure 2 shows the structure of a molecule of dichloroethene. (a) (i) Describe how dichloroethene monomers form a polymer. (ii) Which of these represents the struc... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Figure 2 shows the structure of a molecule of dichloroethene - Edexcel - GCSE Chemistry - Question 4 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe how dichloroethene monomers form a polymer.
Answer
Dichloroethene monomers can form a polymer through a process known as polymerization. During this process, the double bond between the carbon atoms in the dichloroethene molecule breaks. This allows each monomer to link with neighboring monomers, forming long chains. The weak intermolecular forces that are present between the polymer chains do not require much energy to overcome, facilitating the formation of the polymer. Hence, polymerization of dichloroethene requires only a low temperature.
Step 2
Which of these represents the structure of the polymer formed from the monomer in Figure 2?
Answer
The structure of the polymer formed from the monomer in Figure 2 is represented by option D. This is because the repeating units exhibit the same arrangement of atoms as the original monomers, which includes the chlorine atoms and the carbon-carbon single bonds characteristic of a polymerized form.