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Cambridge International AS Level Chemistry

Topic 20
Polymerisation

Topic 20 covers addition polymerisation at AS Level: poly(ethene) and poly(chloroethene) as examples, deducing repeat units from monomers and monomers from polymer chains, and the difficulty of disposing of poly(alkene)s.

Exam Papers
Papers 1 & 2
9701/1 and 9701/2 (AS Level)
Learning Outcomes
20.1.1 – 20.1.4
4 outcomes
Sub-topics
2 lessons
Polymerisation and Polymer Waste
Exam Board
Cambridge
CIE 9701 (2025-2027)

Revision Notes

2 revision notes, in the order the specification teaches them.

Small units joining into one long polymer chain
1

Polymerisation Reactions

Addition polymerisation of ethene, propene and chloroethene, repeat units and monomers.

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Plastic buried in the ground and an incinerator with a chimney filter
2

Polymer Waste

Non-biodegradability of poly(alkene)s, harmful combustion products, incineration, recycling and cracking.

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Specification

Every specification point in this topic, in the exam board's own words. Rate how confident you are with each one.

Official Cambridge documentsSyllabus (opens the Cambridge website in a new tab)

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20.1.1

  1. a

    describe addition polymerisation as exemplified by poly(ethene)

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  2. b

    describe addition polymerisation as exemplified by poly(chloroethene), PVC

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20.1.2

  1. 20.1.2

    deduce the repeat unit of an addition polymer obtained from a given monomer

    Revise

20.1.3

  1. 20.1.3

    identify the monomer(s) present in a given section of an addition polymer molecule

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20.1.4

  1. a

    recognise the difficulty of the disposal of poly(alkene)s, i.e. non-biodegradability

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  2. b

    recognise the difficulty of the disposal of poly(alkene)s, i.e. harmful combustion products

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