Question 1

Which of the following best describes an addition polymer?

Accepted Answer

A very long organic molecule formed as the result of addition reactions between monomers with unsaturated carbon–carbon bonds.

Question 2

Teflon, a common non-stick coating, is a polymer of which monomer?

Accepted Answer

Tetrafluoroethene

Question 3

Which property of Teflon makes it especially useful for non-stick cookware and electrical insulation?

Accepted Answer

Its strong C–F bonds, making it chemically inert and non-flammable

Question 4

Which of the following is the correct shorthand notation for a polymer made from ethene?

Accepted Answer

$$ (CH_2CH_2)_n $$

Question 5

A plastic bag is most likely made from which polymer?

Accepted Answer

Polyethene (polyethylene)

Question 6

Which of the following statements about LDPE and HDPE is correct?

Accepted Answer

LDPE is made from branched polymer chains, resulting in lower density compared to HDPE.

Question 7

Which of the following is a real-world application of polypropene (polypropylene)?

Accepted Answer

Rope and carpet fibres

Question 8

What is the effect of adding plasticizers to a polymer?

Accepted Answer

They increase the flexibility of the polymer by spacing out the chains.

Question 9

Which of the following best explains why plastics are generally chemically unreactive?

Accepted Answer

They are composed of strong single carbon–carbon bonds that are less reactive than double bonds.

Question 10

Which process is used to make rubber tougher and more elastic by forming sulfur cross-links between polymer chains?

Accepted Answer

Vulcanization

Question 11

A Canadian $100 polymer bill is made from which type of synthetic polymer?

Accepted Answer

Biaxially oriented polypropene (BOPP)

Question 12

Which of the following best describes a thermoplastic?

Accepted Answer

A polymer that can be moulded when heated and retains its shape when cooled.

Question 13

Which of the following is a likely environmental concern associated with the use of PVC?

Accepted Answer

It releases persistent toxic compounds during incineration.

Question 14

Which of the following best explains the increased rigidity of a polymer when cross-linking agents are added?

Accepted Answer

Cross-linking agents form covalent bonds between polymer chains, restricting their movement.

Question 15

Which of the following is a copolymer used in synthetic rubber production?

Accepted Answer

Styrene–butadiene rubber

Question 16

A student is asked to draw the monomer for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Which structure is correct?

Accepted Answer

$$ CH_2$=CHCl $$

Question 17

Which of the following best describes an elastomer?

Accepted Answer

A polymer with limited cross-linking that can stretch and return to its original shape.

Question 18

Which of the following is a real-life example of a product made from polystyrene?

Accepted Answer

Food and beverage containers

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why HDPE is more rigid than LDPE?

Accepted Answer

HDPE has mostly straight chains, allowing molecules to pack closely together.

Question 20

Which of the following is a likely effect of increasing the molecular mass of a polymer during manufacturing?

Accepted Answer

The polymer becomes more difficult to process due to higher viscosity.

Lesson 2.2: Synthetic Addition Polymers: Structure, Properties, and Applications

Study Guide - Practice Questions