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Difference between revisions of "Polymer"

(Meaning)
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==Key Stage 4==
 
==Key Stage 4==
 
===Meaning===
 
===Meaning===
A [[polymer]] is a large [[molecule]] made of many repeating smaller [[molecule]]s called [[monomer]]s.
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A [[polymer]] is a large [[molecule]] made of many identical smaller [[molecule]]s called [[monomer]]s.
  
 
===About Polymers===
 
===About Polymers===

Revision as of 16:02, 27 December 2018

Key Stage 3

Meaning

A polymer is a long molecule made by reacting together several smaller molecules.

About Polymers

EtheneToPolythene.png
This diagram shows several Ethene molecules reacting together to make a polythene molecule.

Different polymers can have different properties but generally polymers are:

Polymer Properties Application
Polythene Plastic, Strong, Ductile Shopping bags
PVC Plastic, Electrical Insulator, Strong Covering of electrical wires.
Nylon Plastic, Strong, Flexible, Ductile. Clothing

Key Stage 4

Meaning

A polymer is a large molecule made of many identical smaller molecules called monomers.

About Polymers

Polymers are held together by covalent bonds.
The monomers which make up a polymer are simple covalent molecules.
Most polymers are made of chains of Carbon atoms as they can from up to 4 covalent bonds with adjacent atoms. However, some can be made from Silicon, which can also form 4 covalent bonds.