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Chapter 2 - Models Of Bonding & Structure

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Atom Symbol

Chapter 1 - Models Of The Particulate Nature Of Matter

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 Globe with Meridians

Chapter 3 - Classification Of Matter

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Fire

Chapter 4 - What Drives Chemical Reactions?

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Rocket

Chapter 5 - How Much, How Fast & How Far?

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Test Tube

Chapter 6 - What Are The Mechanisms Of Chemical Change?

Polymers: Large molecules made up of repeating subunits called monomers. They have unique properties due to their macromolecular nature.

<ul>
	<li>Strong: Due to their large size and structure.</li>
	<li>Poor Conductors: Lack moving charged particles; hence, low thermal and electrical conductivity.</li>
	<li>High Melting and Boiling Points: Result of intermolecular forces and the entanglement of long polymer strands.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Chain Length: Longer chains tend to be stronger and more resistant to heat.</li>
	<li>Forces Holding Chains Together: Different intermolecular forces can impact a polymer&rsquo;s properties.</li>
	<li>Type and Arrangement of Monomers: The nature and order of the monomers influence a polymer&#39;s properties.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Examples: Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids (like DNA), collagen, and starch.</li>
	<li>Roles: Providing structure, supporting life processes, and storing energy.</li>
	<li>Starch: A glucose polymer and the primary energy store in plants. It has an irregular branched structure, making it easy to digest by humans.</li>
	<li>Cellulose: A linear glucose polymer found in plant cell walls. The presence of hydroxyl groups allows for hydrogen bonding between chains, making cellulose strong and insoluble. Used in paper, textiles, and cellophane production.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Human-made, often derived from crude oil (petroleum-based).</li>
	<li>Examples: PET bottles, nylon textiles, Teflon coating, synthetic rubber tyres.</li>
	<li>Semisynthetic Polymers: Derived from renewable biological materials, providing a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polymers.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Synthetic polymers composed mainly of carbon and hydrogen.</li>
	<li>Often chemically unreactive and durable due to strong covalent bonds.</li>
	<li>Can catch fire and sustain combustion.</li>
	<li>Polystyrene: A widely used plastic found in packing peanuts and food containers. It is a non-polar hydrocarbon, insoluble in water, held together by London Dispersion Forces (LDFs). It is brittle due to bulky phenyl groups, a good thermal insulator, and used for coolers and insulating panels.</li>
	<li>Biodegradation: The breakdown of materials into small molecules by microorganisms. Most plastics don&rsquo;t biodegrade as they lack reactive functional groups and are often crosslinked, providing very few entry points for microorganisms.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Starch and Cellulose: Both are glucose polymers, but they have different structures and properties. Starch has an irregular branched structure and is used by plants as an energy store. Cellulose has a linear structure and is used for support in plants. Cellulose&rsquo;s strength makes it useful in making paper and textiles.</li>
	<li>Polystyrene: Widely used in food containers and packing peanuts. Its brittleness is due to the presence of bulky phenyl groups, but it is an excellent thermal insulator, especially in its expanded form.</li>
</ul>

Remember: The properties of a polymer depend on its chain length, the forces holding the chains together, and the type and arrangement of monomers. Natural polymers play essential roles in living organisms, while synthetic polymers are widely used in various industries.

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Fun Fact: Did you know that the word &quot;polymer&quot; comes from the Greek words &quot;poly&quot; meaning many and &quot;meros&quot; meaning parts? So, a polymer is essentially a large molecule made up of many smaller parts!

Chapter 2 - Models Of Bonding & Structure

Uncover the Secrets of Polymers!

Table of content

General properties of polymers

Factors influencing polymer properties

Natural polymers

Unlock the Full Content!

Chapter 2 - Models Of Bonding & Structure

Uncover the Secrets of Polymers!

Table of content

General properties of polymers

Factors influencing polymer properties

Natural polymers

Unlock the Full Content!