Standard Grade Topic 13 - Plastics

The correct answer is polypropene because propene is the monomer name and when it undergoes polymerization, it forms a polymer called polypropene.

Plastics and synthetic fibers are made from crude oil. Crude oil is a fossil fuel that is processed to produce various petrochemicals, which are then used as raw materials in the production of plastics and synthetic fibers. These materials are derived from hydrocarbons present in crude oil, which are manipulated and transformed through various chemical processes to create the desired plastic or fiber products.

Many synthetic polymers are durable, meaning they have a high resistance to wear and tear, making them long-lasting. This is an advantage because it allows these materials to be used in various applications where durability is important, such as in construction materials, automotive parts, and packaging. The durability of synthetic polymers also contributes to their cost-effectiveness, as they do not need to be replaced frequently.

Starch is a natural polymer made up of thousands of glucose monomers joined together. It is a complex carbohydrate found in plants and serves as a storage form of energy. Starch is commonly found in foods such as potatoes, rice, and wheat, and it can be broken down by enzymes in the body to release glucose for energy.

When hot water is placed into an empty water bottle, the water bottle keeps its shape and does not soften. This suggests that the water bottle is made from thermosetting plastic. Thermosetting plastics are formed by a chemical reaction that irreversibly hardens the material. Once set, these plastics cannot be melted or reshaped by heating. Therefore, the fact that the water bottle retains its shape and does not soften when hot water is added indicates that it is made from thermosetting plastic.

An advantage of a natural polymer is that it is made from renewable resources. This means that the raw materials used to produce the polymer can be replenished and are not finite. This is beneficial for sustainability and reducing the environmental impact of the polymer production.

Addition polymerisation is the correct answer because it refers to the process of small unsaturated hydrocarbons joining together to form a large polymer. In this process, monomers with double bonds react with each other, with no by-products being formed. This results in the formation of a long chain polymer. Condensation polymerisation involves the elimination of a small molecule, such as water, during the polymerisation process. Cracking is the process of breaking down larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones. Hydrolysis is the process of breaking down a compound by reacting it with water.

Plastics that are non-biodegradable will not break down naturally using sunlight or bacteria. This means that they will persist in the environment for a long time, leading to environmental problems. Unlike biodegradable materials, which can be broken down by natural processes, non-biodegradable plastics contribute to pollution and can harm ecosystems.

PVC, also known as polyvinyl chloride, is the plastic that burns and produces the toxic gas, hydrogen chloride. When PVC is burned, the chlorine atoms in the material combine with hydrogen atoms in the air to form hydrogen chloride gas. This gas is highly toxic and can cause respiratory problems and other health issues when inhaled. Therefore, PVC should be handled and disposed of with caution to prevent the release of this toxic gas.

Cracking is the process in which large saturated hydrocarbons are broken down into smaller, more useful unsaturated hydrocarbons. This is achieved by breaking the carbon-carbon bonds in the hydrocarbon molecules, resulting in the formation of smaller molecules with double or triple bonds. Cracking is an important process in the chemical industry as it allows for the production of valuable products such as gasoline, diesel, and other petrochemicals.