9701 · 20.1
Addition polymerisation — FAQ
Frequently asked questions for 9701 Addition polymerisation. Direct answers first, then deeper explanation — then practise with marking.
Why is it called 'addition' polymerisation?
It is called addition polymerisation because the monomer molecules add to one another in such a way that the polymer is the only product. No atoms or small molecules are lost or eliminated during the reaction.
What does the 'n' in the formula -[...]-n represent?
The 'n' is called the degree of polymerisation. It represents the number of repeating monomer units in the polymer chain, which is typically a very large integer, often in the thousands or tens of thousands.
Can alkanes undergo addition polymerisation?
No, alkanes cannot undergo addition polymerisation. They are saturated molecules, meaning they only have single C-C bonds. The key requirement for a monomer in addition polymerisation is the presence of a C=C double bond that can break and form new bonds to link the units together.