Year 9 - Science
Structure of polymers
Materials
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit examines the varying properties of elements, the reactivity series, and the role of carbon in metal extraction. It also explores catalysts and the properties of ceramics, polymers, and composites. Emphasis is placed on evaluating risks, using appropriate techniques, and interpreting data.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to give examples of polymers and explain how the properties of polymers depend on their structure.
Key Notes
- Polymers are made from small molecules called monomers that join together to form very long chains of atoms.
- Some polymers have high melting points because their molecules are hard to separate.
- Polymers can be made synthetically, but some also exist naturally.
- A plasticiser added to a polymer gets between polymer molecules and allows them to move over each other more easily.
- Cross-links between polymer molecules can make a polymer harder and less flexible.
Vocabulary To Learn
- polymer: Long-chained molecules formed by joining together monomers.
- forces of attraction: A pulling force that keeps particles close together.
- synthetic: A product that is manufactured from natural resources.
- plasticiser: A substance that is added to a polymer to increase its flexibility.
- cross-link: A chemical bond between different chains of atoms in a polymer.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Students often think that intermolecular forces exist within a molecule, unaware of the significant difference in strength between chemical bonds within atoms and the forces between molecules.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Polymers are made from small molecules called monomers that join together to form very long chains of atoms. Some polymers have high melting points because their molecules are hard to separate.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'polymer'
Long-chained molecules formed by joining together monomers. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Students often think that intermolecular forces exist within a molecule, unaware of the significant difference in strength between chemical bonds within atoms and the forces between molecules. Correction: Help students to make the link between the structure of the polymer and its property by using models. Point out where the intermolecular forces occur and compare this to where the chemical bonds are.
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