Answer Key
2017-18
Class: 12 Worksheet Number:12/Chem/15/AK
Subject: Chemistry Chapter: 15Polymers
Section A
Each question carries one mark.
1. What are polymers?
Polymers are high molecular mass macromolecules formed by the combination of a large
number of simple molecules called monomers. The process by which monomers are converted
to polymers is called polymerization. Polymers have a high molecular mass (103 − 107 u). In a
polymer, various monomer units are joined by strong covalent bonds. These polymers can be
natural as well as synthetic. Polythene, rubber, and nylon 6, 6 are examples of polymers.
2. How does vulcanization change the character of natural rubber?
Vulcanization is the heating of natural rubber with sulfur and an appropriate additive to improve
its physical properties. On vulcanization, sulfur forms cross links at the reactive sites of the
double bond and thus rubber gets stiffened.
3. Why are the numbers 6,6 and 6 put in the names of nylon-6,6 and nylon-6?
The monomers of nylon 6,6 namely hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid have six carbon
each. Similarly, in nylon 6 the monomer Caprolactum has six carbon atoms.
4. Explain the terms polymer and monomer.
Polymers are high molecular mass macromolecules composed of repeating structural units
derived from monomers. Polymers have a high molecular mass (103 − 107 u). In a polymer,
various monomer units are joined by strong covalent bonds. Polymers can be natural as well as
synthetic. Polythene, rubber, and nylon 6, 6 are examples of polymers.
Monomers are simple, reactive molecules that combine with each other in large numbers
through covalent bonds to give rise to polymers. For example, ethene, propene, styrene, vinyl
chloride.
5. What are natural and synthetic polymers? Give two examples of each type.
Natural polymers are polymers that are found in nature. They are formed by plants and animals.
Examples include protein, cellulose, starch, etc.
Synthetic polymers are polymers manufactured by human beings from chemicals. Examples
include plastic (polythene), synthetic fibres (nylon 6, 6), synthetic rubbers (Buna – S)
Each question carries two marks.
6. Explain the difference between Buna-N and Buna-S.
Buna − N is a copolymer of 1, 3−butadiene and acrylonitrile.
Buna − S is a copolymer of 1, 3−butadiene and styrene.
7. Distinguish between the terms homopolymer and copolymer and give an example of each.
Homopolymer Copolymer
The polymers that are f rmed by the polymerization of a single
monomer are known as homopolymers. In
other words, the repeating units of
homopolymers are derived only from one
monomer. For example, polythene is a
homopolymer of ethene.
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The polymers whose repeating units are
derived from two types of monomers are
known as copolymers. For example,
Buna−S is a copolymer of 1, 3-butadiene
and styrene.
8. How do you explain the functionality of a monomer?
The functionality of a monomer is the number of binding sites that is/are present in that
monomer. For example, the functionality of monomers such as ethene and propene is one and
that of 1, 3-butadiene and adipic acid is two.
9. Give one example of each of the following :
(i) Addition polymers (ii) Condensation polymers (iii) Copolymers.
i. Addition Polymer -Polythene
ii. Condensation Polymer -Nylon 6,6
iii. Co-polymer-Buna-S
10 What is the difference between Buna-S and Buna-N? Give their monomers and chemical
. equations for their synthesis.
Buna –N is obtained by the copolymerisation of 1, 3 – butadiene and acrylonitrile in the
presence of a peroxide catalyst. It is resistant to the action of petrol, lubricating oil and organic
solvents. It is used in making oil seals, tank lining, etc.
Butadiene - styrene copolymer is quite tough and is a good substitute for natural rubber. It is
used for the manufacture of autotyres, floor tiles, footwear components, cable insulation, etc.
Buna − S is a copolymer of 1, 3−butadiene and styrene.
Section B
Each question carries one mark
11 Classify the following as addition and condensation polymers: Terylene, Bakelite, Polyvinyl
.
chloride, Polythene.
Addition polymers: Polyvinyl chloride, Polythene
Condensation polymers: Terylene, Bakelite
12 Write the names of monomers for the following polymers:
.
(i)Nylon 6,6 (ii)Nylon- 6 (iii) Teflon
NYLON 6,6
Hexamethylene diamine
Adipic Acid
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NYLON- 6
Caprolactum
TEFLON
13 What is the monomer of natural rubber? What is the difference in the structures of natural
. rubber and gutta- percha?
Natural rubber may be considered as a linear polymer of isoprene (2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene) and
is also called as cis- 1, 4 - polyisoprene. The cis-polyisoprene molecule consists of various
chains held together by weak van der Waals interactions and has a coiled structure. Thus, it can
be stretched like a spring and exhibits elastic properties.
Chemically, gutta-percha is a polyterpene, a polymer of isoprene, or polyisoprene, specifically
(trans-1,4-polyisoprene). The cis structure of polyisoprene is the common latex elastomer.
While latex rubbers are amorphous in molecular structure, gutta-percha (the trans
structure) crystallizes, leading to a more rigid material.
14 How are low density polyethylene and high density polyethylene manufactured? How do they
. differ in their densities?
Low density polythene(LDPE):It is obtained by the polymerization of ethene under high
pressure of 1000 to 2000 atmospheres at a temperature of 350 K to 570 K in the presence of
traces of dioxygen or a peroxide initiator (catalyst). The low density polythene (LDP) is
obtained through the free radical addition and H-atom abstraction and has highly branched
structure. Low density polythene is chemically inert and tough but flexible and is a poor
conductor of electricity. Hence, it is used in the insulation of electricity carrying wires and
manufacture of squeeze bottles, toys and flexible pipes
High density polythene(HDPE): It is formed when addition polymerisation of ethene takes
place in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of a catalyst such as triethylaluminium and
titanium tetrachloride (Ziegler-Natta catalyst) at a temperature of 333 K to 343 K and under a
pressure of 6-7 atmospheres. High density polythene (HDP) thus produced, consists of linear
molecules and has a high density due to close packing. It is also chemically inert and more
tougher and harder. It is used for manufacturing buckets, dustbins, bottles, pipes, etc.
15 Give one important difference between an elastomer and a fiber
Polymers with the weakest intermolecular forces of attraction between the polymeric chains
which allow the polymer to be stretched are Elastomers.
Polymers which have the strongest intermolecular forces of attraction such as Hydrogen bonds
or dipole –dipole interactions are Fibres.
16 Why is Bakelite considered to be a thermosetting polymer?
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Bakelite is heavily branched or cross-linked which on heating undergoes extensive 3-D cross-
linking and become hard. It cannot be remoulded or reshaped, hence it is considered to be a
thermosetting polymer.
17 Give the structure of a monomer of Dacron.
The two monomers of Dacron are Ethylene glycol and Terepthalic Acid.
18 What is the role of Benzoyl peroxide in the polymerization of ethene?
Benzoyl Peroxide is a free radical initiator. It initiates the free radical reaction by chain growth
polymerization.
19 What is meant by functionality of a monomer?
Functionality of a monomer is the number of binding sites in a molecule. For example the
functionality of ethene, propene, styrene, acrylonitrile is one and that of 1, 3-butadiene, adipic
acid, terepthalic acid, hexamethylene diamine is two.
Each question carries two or three marks.
20 How are polymers classified on the basis of structure?
Polymers are classified on the basis of structure as follows:
1. Linear polymers:
These polymers are formed of long straight chains. They can be depicted as:
For e.g., high density polythene (HDP), polyvinyl chloride, etc.
2. Branched chain polymers:
These polymers are basically linear chain polymers with some branches. These polymers are
represented as:
For e.g., low density polythene (LDP), amylopectin, etc.
3. Cross-linked or Network polymers:
These polymers have many cross-linking bonds that give rise to a network-like structure. These
polymers
contain bi-functional and tri-functional monomers and strong
covalent bonds between various linear polymer chains. Examples of such polymers include
bakelite
21 Explain the term copolymerisation and give two examples.
The process of forming polymers from two or more different monomeric units is called
copolymerization. Multiple units of each monomer are present in a copolymer.
The process of forming polymer Buna−S from 1, 3-butadiene and styrene is an example of
copolymerization
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Nylon 6, 6 is also a copolymer formed by hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid
22 Write the free radical mechanism for the polymerisation of ethene.
Polymerization of ethene to polythene consists of heating or exposing to light a mixture of
ethene with a small amount of benzoyl peroxide as the initiator.
The reaction involved in this process is given below:
23 Define thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers with two examples of each.
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Thermoplastic polymers are linear (slightly branched) long chain polymers, which can be
repeatedly softened and hardened on heating. Hence, they can be modified again and again.
Examples include Polythene, Polystyrene.
Thermosetting polymers are cross-linked or heavily branched polymers which get hardened
during the moulding process. These plastics cannot be softened again on heating. Examples of
thermosetting plastics include Bakelite, Urea-formaldehyde resins.
24 How is Bakelite made? What is its major use? Why is Bakelite a thermosetting polymer?
.
Bakelite is formed by the condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde in the presence of
either an acid or a base catalyst. The initial polymer is a linear product called Novolac. Novolac
on further heating with formaldehyde undergoes cross linking to form Bakelite
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25 Write the chemical equation representing the synthesis of glyptal. Mention any one of its uses in
industry.
Used in the manufacture of paints, lacquer and building material
26 How are polymers classified in to different categories on the basis of intermolecular forces
of attraction? Give one example of each of these categories.
Polymers are classified into the following four sub groups on the basis of magnitude of
intermolecular forces present in them.
1. Elastomers: IN elastomeric polymers, the polymer chains are held together by the weakest
intermolecular forces. These weak binding forces permit the polymer to be stretched. A few
‘crosslinks’ are introduced in between the chains, which help the polymer to retract to its
original position after the force is released as in vulcanised rubber. The examples are Buna-S,
Buna-N, Neoprene, etc.
2. Fibres
Fibres are the thread forming solids which possess high tensile strength and high modulus.
These characteristics can be attributed to the strong intermolecular forces like hydrogen
bonding. These strong forces also lead to close packing of chains and thus impart crystalline
nature. The examples are polyamides (nylon 6, 6), polyesters (terylene), etc
3. Thermoplastic polymers
These are the linear or slightly branched long chain molecules capable of repeatedly softening
on heating and hardening on cooling. These polymers possess intermolecular forces of attraction
intermediate between elastomers and fibres. Some common thermoplastics are polythene,
polystyrene, polyvinyls, etc.
4 Thermosetting polymers
These polymers are cross linked or heavily branched molecules, which on heating undergo
extensive cross linking in moulds and again become infusible. These cannot be reused. Some
common examples are bakelite, urea-formaldelyde resins, etc.
27 Write the names and structures of the monomers of the following polymers:
(i)Buna-S (ii)Dacron (iii)Neoprene
I. BUNA-S
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(ii)Dacron
(iii)Neoprene
28 , a homopolymer or copolymer?
is a homopolymer because it is obtained from a single monomer unit,
NH2−CHR−COOH
29 Explain the following terms:
I) Polyamides
Polymers having a large number of amide linkages (-CONH2) in the polymeric chain are called
polyamides eg Nylon 6,6 and Nylon 6
II) Polyolefins
These are polymers derived from unsaturated hydrocarbons for example polyprene
III )Polyesters
These are the polycondensation products of dicarboxylic acids and diols. Dacron or Terylene is
the best known example of polyesters
Section C
Each question carries one/two marks.
30 How can you differentiate between addition and condensation polymerisation?
Addition polymerization is the process of repeated addition of monomers, possessing double or
triple bonds to form polymers. For example, polythene is formed by addition polymerization of
ethene.
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Condensation polymerization is the process of formation of polymers by repeated condensation
reactions between two different bi-functional or tri-functional monomers. A small molecule
such as water or hydrochloric acid is eliminated in each condensation. For example, nylon 6, 6
is formed by condensation polymerization of hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid.
31 How is dacron obtained from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid?
A condensation polymerization reaction between ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid leads to
the formation of Dacron.
32 What is a biodegradable polymer? Give an example of a biodegradable aliphatic polyester.
.
Polymers that can be decomposed by and broken down by enzyme catalysed reactions are called
biodegradable polymers.
Poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-CO-β- hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) is a biodegradable aliphatic polyester.
33 Fibers are crystalline in nature,Why?
Fibres have strong intermolecular forces like hydrogen bonding which results in close packing
and impart crystalline structure.
34 Write the names of the monomers and their structures in the following -
i. BUNA-N
ii. PVC
iii. Neoprene
(i)CH2=CH-CH=CH2 and (CH2=CH-CN)
Butadiene Acrylonitrile
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(ii) (CH2=CH-Cl) vinyl chloride
(iii) CH2=CCl-CH=CH2 Chloroprene
Each question carries three marks.
35 What is the repeating unit in the condensation polymer obtained by combining
. HO2CCH2CH2COOH (succinic acid) and H2NCH2CH2NH2(ethylenediamine)?
–[--NHCH2CH2NHCOCH2CH2CO---]-n
36 Comment on the main structural difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting polymers.
. What effect does this difference have on their properties?
Thermoplastic are the linear or slightly branched long chain molecules capable of repeatedly
softening on heating and hardening on cooling. These polymers possess intermolecular forces of
attraction intermediate between elastomers and fibres. Some common thermoplastics are
polythene, polystyrene, polyvinyls, etc.
Thermosetting plastic polymers are cross linked or heavily branched molecules, which on
heating undergo extensive cross linking in moulds and again become infusible. These cannot be
reused. Some common examples are bakelite, urea‐formaldelyde resins, etc.
37 Write the names of monomers of the following polymers:
(i) [-NH(CH2)6-NHCO(CH2)4CO-]n
(ii) [-CO-(CH2)5-NH]n
(iii) [-CF2-CF2-]n
(i) Hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid.
(ii) Caprolactam.
(iii) Tetrafluoroethene
38 Explain the differences between chain growth and step growth polymerization.
. Chain growth :
In this type of polymerisation, the molecules of the same monomer or diferent monomers add
together on a large scale to form a polymer. The monomers used are unsaturated compounds,
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e.g., alkenes, alkadienes and their derivatives. This mode of polymerisation leads to an increase
in chain length or chain growth through the formation of either free radicals or ionic species. eg
formation of polyethene.
Condensation or Step Growth
These reactions occur through a series of independent reactions or steps. Each step involves
the condensation between two bifunctional monomer units with the elimination of simple
molecule such as water, alcohol etc. Since, the polymer is formed in a stepwise manner the
process is called step growth polymerization. eg formation of Dacron
39 What happens to the process of addition polymerization when an electron withdrawing group
like (CN-) is attached to the vinyl group?
It undergoes addition reaction by anionic polymerization as -CN is an EWG.
40 Arrange the following polymers in increasing order of their intermolecular forces.
(i) Nylon 6, 6, Buna-S, Polythene.
(ii) Nylon 6, Neoprene, Polyvinyl chloride.
Different types of polymers have different intermolecular forces of attraction. Elastomers or
rubbers have the weakest while fibres have the strongest intermolecular forces of attraction.
Plastics have intermediate intermolecular forces of attraction. Hence, the increasing order of the
intermolecular forces of the given polymers is as follows:
(i) Buna − S < polythene < Nylon 6, 6
(ii) Neoprene < polyvinyl chloride < Nylon 6
41 i)What is the role of t-butyl peroxide in the polymerization of ethane?
In free radical mechanism, it acts as catalyst for the initiation of the reaction.
ii)Identify the monomers in the following polymer-
[-NH2-(CH2)6-NH-CO-(CH2)4-CO-]n
Hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid
iii) Arrange the following polymers in the increasing order of their intermolecular forces –
Polystyrene, Terylene, BUNA-N
Buna-N<Polystyrene < Terylene.
42 Give the chemical equation for the synthesis of –
a. Neoprene
b. Dacron
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c. BUNA-S
43 Complete the following table below.
STRUCTURE OF
NAME OF THE POLYMER MONOMERS MONOMERS USES
POLYETHENE ethene CH2 = CH2 Manufacture of plastic bags
PVC Vinyl chloride (CH2=CH-Cl) Manufacture of rain coats handbags
PAN Acrylonitrile (CH2=CH-CN) Making commercial fibers as Orlon
TEFLON tetrafluroethene CF2=CF2 Insulation in wires , metal finishing
POLYSTYRENE styrene (CH2=CH-C6H5 Insulator, wrapping material
Acrylonitrile (CH2=CH-CN)
BUNA N and butadiene CH2=CH-CH=CH2 As lubricating oil and organic solvents
Styrene , C6H5CH=CH2
BUNA S butadiene CH2=CH-CH=CH2 , Manufacturing car tyre,
NATURAL RUBBER isoprene Manufacture of tyre rubber
NEOPRENE Chloroprene CH2=CCl-CH=CH2 Manufacture of conveyer belts,gaskets
Phenol and Making comb, electrical switches,
BAKELITE formaldehyde C6H5OH, CH2O handles of utensils
Melamine,
MELAMINE formaldehyde CH2O, C3H6N6 Coating, flame retardants
Hexamethylene NH2(CH2)6-NH2,
diamine , adipic COOH-(CH2)4-
NYLON 6,6 acid COOH Making sheets, bristles for brushes
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NYLON 6 caprolactum Manufacture of tyre cords, fabrics
NH2CH2COOH,
Glycine , amino NH2CH2CH2CH2CH2
NYLON 2-NYLON 6 caproic acid CH2COOH Making thermoplastics
3-
hydroxybutanic CH3CHOHCH2COO
acid , 3- H
hydroxypentano CH3CH2CHOHCH2C orthopedic devices,manufacturing bottles for
PHBV ic acid OOH consumer goods
Ethylene glycol HOCH2CH2OH,
, terephthalic HOOC-(CH2)4-
TERELYNE/DACRON acid COOH Repairing joints , making artificial limbs
Phthalic
anhydride ,
GLYPTAL glycerol Manufacture of paints and lacquers
44 i. What is the role of sulfur in the vulcanization of rubber?
Rubber is made up of hydrocarbon chains, basically carbon and hydrogen. These chains
slide over one another and get tied to one another which leads to natural rubber being
sticky. When we vulcanize rubber by using sulphur, the sulphur reacts with these chains
and forms disulphide (or similar) bonds. These new bonds join two of the hydrocarbon
chains together. In this manner a mesh like network is formed which is stronger than
the separate hydrocarbon chains in natural rubber. All of this comes about by the
formation of the disuphide (or trisulphide or ...) bonds.
ii. Identify the monomers in the following polymer:
[-O-CH2-CH2-O-CO-C6H5-CO-]n
Ethylene Glycol and terepthalic acid
iii. Arrange the following polymers in the increasing order of their intermolecular forces :
Terylene, Polyethene, Neoprene
Neoprene< Polyethene < Terylene
45 Write the name of the monomers and their structures in the following –
i. BUNA –S
ii. Terylene
iii. Nylon -6
i. (CH2=CH-CN) and CH2=CH-CH=CH2
Acrylonitrile and butadiene
ii. HOCH2CH2OH, HOOC-(CH2)4-COOH
Ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid
iii.
46 i.What is the role of benzoyl peroxide in the polymerization of ethane
It acts as a catalyst in free radical mechanism
ii. Identify the monomers in the following polymer
(-NH(CH2)6-NH-CO-(CH2)4-CO-)n
Hexaethylene diamine and adipic acid
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iii. Arrange the following polymers in the increasing order of their intermolecular forces –
Nylon 6,6, Polythene, BUNA-S
Buna-S <Polyethene < Nylon6,6
47 Write the name of the monomers and their structures in the following –
i. BUNA-N
ii. PVC
iii. Neoprene
i.(CH2=CH-CN) CH2=CH-CH=CH2
Acrylonitrile and butadiene
ii(CH2=CH-Cl) vinyl chloride
iii CH2=CCl-CH=CH2 Isoprene
48 Explain each of the following terms with examples –
a.Polyolefins
b. polyamides
c .polyesters
a. A polyolefin is any of a class of polymers produced from a simple olefin (also called
an alkene with the general formula CnH2n) as amonomer. For example, polyethylene is the
polyolefin produced by polymerizing the olefin ethylene.
b. A polyamide is a macromolecule with repeating units linked by amide bonds. Nylon6
c. Polyester is a category of polymers that contain the ester functional group in their main chain.
Eg Dacron.
49 Arrange the following polymers in decreasing order of their intermolecular forces:
Bakelite, polythene, Buna-S, Nylon-6,6
Nylon-6,6 > Bakelite > polythene > Buna-S
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