IGCSE · Chemistry 0620 · Organic chemistry

Polymers: IGCSE Chemistry questions with answers

Free Polymers questions for IGCSE Chemistry (0620), part of Organic chemistry. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Polymers practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

Nylon and PET are condensation polymers. Poly(ethene) is an addition polymer.
1    Nylon is a polyester.
2    PET contains ester linkages.
3    A small molecule such as water is formed when a condensation polymer is made.
Which statements are correct?

  1. A 1, 2 and 3
  2. B 2 and 3 only
  3. C 2 only
  4. D 3 only
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which statement describes addition polymerisation?

  1. A A substance that dissolves a solute
  2. B The change of state directly from solid to gas
  3. C Polymerisation in which a small molecule such as water is removed each time two monomers join
  4. D The joining of many unsaturated monomers to form a polymer with no other product
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 3Structured · 4 marksA* challenge

Nylon and PET are condensation polymers.

(a)

State the difference between addition and condensation polymerisation.

[2]
(b)

Name the linkage in nylon and the linkage in proteins.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)condensation releases small molecule
in condensation polymerisation a small molecule (e.g. water) is also produced B1
in addition polymerisation only the polymer is formed B1
2
(b)amide linkage in both
amide linkage (in nylon) B1
amide/peptide linkage (in proteins) B1
2
Question 4Structured · 4 marks

Poly(ethene) is an addition polymer made from ethene.

(a)

Define polymer.

[1]
(b)

Draw/describe the repeat unit of poly(ethene).

[1]
(c)

Explain why plastic waste causes environmental problems.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)large molecule from many monomers
a large molecule made from many small units (monomers) joined together B1
1
(b)–[CH₂–CH₂]–
–[CH₂–CH₂]ₙ– B1
1
(c)non-biodegradable; disposal issues
plastics are non-biodegradable / persist for a long time B1
landfill and burning cause pollution (toxic gases), harm to wildlife B1
2
Question 5Structured · 4 marks

Addition polymers are made from alkenes.

(a)

Name the polymer made from chloroethene.

[1]
(b)

Describe/draw the repeat unit of poly(propene).

[1]
(c)

Explain why burning plastics is harmful.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)poly(chloroethene) / PVC
poly(chloroethene) (PVC) B1
1
(b)–[CH₂–CH(CH₃)]–
–[CH₂–CH(CH₃)]– B1
1
(c)toxic gases; CO₂
releases toxic gases (e.g. HCl, CO) B1
and carbon dioxide (greenhouse gas) B1
2
Question 6Structured · 3 marksA* challenge

Proteins are natural polymers.

(a)

Name the monomers of proteins.

[1]
(b)

Name the process used to break down proteins into amino acids in the laboratory.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)amino acids
amino acids B1
1
(b)acid hydrolysis
hydrolysis B1
with acid (or enzymes) B1
2

More Organic chemistry questions

Formulae, functional groups & namingAlkanes & alkenesAlcohols & carboxylic acids

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Original Cambridge-style practice questions written for mentorriyaz.in. These are not Cambridge past paper questions, and this site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Updated 2026-11-04. Paper generator · mentorriyaz.in