Year 9 Science · Unit 2 · Lesson 16
Foundation Worksheet
Learning Goals
Fill the gap
Choose the correct word from the word bank to complete the passage below.
A is a very large molecule built from many small repeating units. Each of those small units is called a . The process of joining monomers together is called polymerisation, and the result is a long molecular . When the monomer has a carbon–carbon double bond, the reaction is called polymerisation. For example, when ethene monomers react in this way, the product is , a flexible solid plastic used to make bags and bottles. Polymers that come from living organisms are called polymers, while polymers made from petroleum chemicals in a factory are called polymers.
Match each term to its definition
Draw a line connecting each term on the left to its correct definition on the right. Or write the matching letter next to each term.
| Term | Your answer | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Monomer | A. A process where monomers join and release a small molecule (usually water) as a byproduct. | |
| Polymer | B. A polymer produced from petroleum chemicals rather than from a living organism. | |
| Addition polymerisation | C. A small molecule that joins with others to form a long polymer chain. | |
| Condensation polymerisation | D. A large molecule made of many repeating monomer units joined together. | |
| Synthetic polymer | E. A polymer produced by a living organism, such as cellulose in plant cell walls. | |
| Natural polymer | F. A process where monomers with C=C double bonds open and join end-to-end with no byproduct. |
1. What is the name of the monomer used to make polyethylene, and what type of chemical bond does it contain that makes addition polymerisation possible?
2. Name one synthetic polymer and one natural polymer. For each, state one real-world use.
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?