AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
The atoms in the polymer molecules are linked to other atoms by strong…
Full specification wording
Polymers: The atoms in the polymer molecules are linked to other atoms by strong covalent bonds.
Polymers form when many small monomer molecules join together.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Polymers form when many small monomer molecules join together. Within each polymer molecule, the atoms are held together by strong covalent bonds. These bonds form the long carbon backbone and any side groups, so the polymer molecule behaves as one very large molecule. For example, in poly(ethene), each carbon atom is covalently bonded to two other carbon atoms and to two hydrogen atoms, giving a long chain. The covalent bonds are strong, so breaking the polymer molecule into smaller molecules requires a lot of energy. However, the covalent bonds are not the forces between separate polymer molecules; those intermolecular forces are weaker. This distinction matters when explaining melting, flexibility and strength.
What earns the marks
- Polymer molecules are made from many monomers joined together.
- Atoms within a polymer molecule are joined by covalent bonds.
- The covalent bonds are strong, so the polymer molecule is difficult to break apart.
- The covalent bonds form the long chain, including the carbon backbone and any side groups.
- The covalent bonds within a polymer molecule are distinct from the intermolecular forces between separate polymer molecules.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Saying that polymer molecules are held to each other by covalent bonds.
Put it right by stating that covalent bonds are within each polymer molecule, while intermolecular forces act between molecules.
Confusing strong covalent bonds with strong intermolecular forces.
Put it right by explaining that the covalent bonds are strong but the forces between polymer molecules are relatively weak.
Describing a polymer as a small molecule.
Put it right by stating that a polymer molecule is a large molecule made from many monomer units.
Exam tips
- When a diagram of a polymer is given, trace the continuous covalent bonds along the chain rather than assuming every line represents an intermolecular force.
- Use the phrase 'strong covalent bonds within the polymer molecule' to make the location of the bonds clear.
- If asked why a polymer melts at a higher temperature than simple molecules, link the answer to overcoming the relatively strong intermolecular forces between the large polymer chains, not breaking covalent bonds.
Try the lesson
The start of the Polymers: The atoms in the polymer molecules are linked to other atoms by strong covalent bonds. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In a polymer molecule, the atoms are held together by which type of bond?
Listen
Polymers form when many small monomer molecules join together. Within each polymer molecule, the atoms are held together by strong covalent bonds. These bonds form the long carbon backbone and any side groups, so the polymer molecule behaves as one very large molecule. For example, in poly(ethene), each carbon atom is covalently bonded to two other carbon atoms and to two hydrogen atoms, giving a long chain. The covalent bonds are strong, so breaking the polymer molecule into smaller molecules requires a lot of energy. However, the covalent bonds are not the forces between separate polymer molecules; those intermolecular forces are weaker. This distinction matters when explaining melting, flexibility and strength. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Polymer molecules are made from many monomers joined together. Atoms within a polymer molecule are joined by covalent bonds. The covalent bonds are strong, so the polymer molecule is difficult to break apart. The covalent bonds form the long chain, including the carbon backbone and any side groups. A common slip: Saying that polymer molecules are held to each other by covalent bonds. Instead, stating that covalent bonds are within each polymer molecule, while intermolecular forces act between molecules. Exam tip: When a diagram of a polymer is given, trace the continuous covalent bonds along the chain rather than assuming every line represents an intermolecular force.
Key words
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Covalent bonding
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Polymers
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Monomer to polymer
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Structure and properties
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See every definition
- Covalent bonding
- The strong bonds that link the atoms within a polymer molecule to other atoms, forming the long chain.
- Polymers
- Large molecules formed when many small monomer molecules join together.
- Monomer to polymer
- Many small monomer molecules join together to form polymer molecules.
- Structure and properties
- The strong covalent bonds within a polymer molecule make it difficult to break apart, and they are distinct from the weaker intermolecular forces between separate polymer molecules.
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