Polymers are chosen for a use because of their properties.
The plastic coating on electrical cables is made from PVC. Explain why PVC is suitable for this use.
Mountain-climbing ropes are made from poly(propene) fibres. Suggest two properties that make poly(propene) suitable for this use.
Shops used to give customers paper bags. Explain one advantage of a poly(ethene) bag over a paper bag for carrying wet or heavy shopping.
Suggest why window frames are made from PVC rather than poly(ethene).
37 exam-style questions on Edexcel GCSE Chemistry 10.3 Polymers, covering 10.3.1 Addition polymerisation of alkenes, 10.3.2 Uses and properties of polymers, 10.3.3 Condensation polymers and polyesters, 10.3.4 Problems with polymers and recycling, and 10.3.5 Natural polymers: DNA, starch and proteins. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.