Polymers
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Polymers — Free MYP5 Chemistry Practice Questions

1QuestionMonomers and polymerizationConcept Practice
2 marks~3 minCriterion A
The diagram below shows a section of the addition polymer polyethene. The repeat unit is indicated by the brackets.

—[HH∣∣—C—C—∣∣HH]n—\text{---}\left[\begin{array}{c} \text{H} \quad \text{H} \\ | \quad\quad | \\ \text{---C---C---} \\ | \quad\quad | \\ \text{H} \quad \text{H} \end{array}\right]_n\text{---}
a
State the name and molecular formula of the monomer used to produce polyethene. [1]
b
Explain why the monomer's structure differs from the repeat unit shown in the diagram. [1]
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2QuestionBiodegradable polymers (basic idea)Assessment Practice
3 marks~5 minCriterion D
The graph below shows the percentage of original mass remaining over 30 days for two biodegradable polymers — polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) — composted at 58°C. Both polymers begin at 100% mass at day 0. By day 30, PLA retains approximately 85% of its original mass, while PHA retains approximately 20%.
a
Describe the trend in mass loss shown by each polymer over the 30-day period. [1]
b
Identify which polymer biodegrades faster and calculate the percentage of mass lost by each polymer over the 30-day period. [1]
c
Explain what the difference in mass loss between PLA and PHA suggests about their suitability for use in single-use packaging that must break down quickly in industrial compost facilities. [1]
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3QuestionNatural vs synthetic polymersAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion C
The diagram below shows a section of a polyethene chain and a section of a cellulose chain.

Polyethene repeating unit: −CH2−CH2−-\text{CH}_2-\text{CH}_2- connected by C–C single bonds.

Cellulose repeating unit: glucose monomers linked by glycosidic (C–O–C) bonds.
a
State the type of bond found in the backbone of each polymer. [1]
b
Explain why C–C bonds in polyethene resist attack by enzymes in the environment. [1]
c
Discuss how the bond type in cellulose makes it susceptible to enzymatic breakdown, and evaluate why this difference in bond type means polyethene persists in ecosystems while cellulose does not. [2]
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4QuestionNatural vs synthetic polymersAssessment Practice
4 marks~6 minCriterion B
A diagram shows the setup for synthesizing nylon 6,10: a beaker contains two immiscible layers—an aqueous solution of 1,6-diaminohexane (top) and a hexane solution of sebacoyl chloride (bottom). At the interface, nylon 6,10 forms. The polymer chains are long because each monomer has a 6-carbon or 10-carbon chain. In a modified experiment, the 1,6-diaminohexane is replaced with 1,2-diaminoethane (which has only a 2-carbon chain). All other conditions remain the same.
a
[2 marks] Predict how the chain length of the nylon produced in the modified experiment would compare to that of nylon 6,10.
b
[2 marks] Predict how the flexibility and tensile strength of the modified nylon would compare to those of nylon 6,10. Justify your prediction by referring to intermolecular forces and chain packing.
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