CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Polymerisation
Poly(alkenes) such as poly(ethene) are widely used for packaging, but their disposal raises environmental concerns. Other polymers, including polyesters and polyamides, are also used in consumer products. Some polymers are designed to be photodegradable.
Compare the degradability of poly(alkenes), polyesters/polyamides, and photodegradable polymers. In your answer, explain the chemical reasons for the differences in their susceptibility to degradation.
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.
Compare means: Give similarities or differences between two things, and say which side each point belongs to. Write each point as a pair, for example: A is X, whereas B is Y. Two separate descriptions rarely earn the marks.
Written by Markquill to follow the Cambridge International syllabus. Markquill is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridge International.