0653.C11.5.01 — Define polymers as large molecules built up from many smaller molecules called monomers: past paper questions

Real questions on 0653.c11.5.01 — define polymers as large molecules built up from many smaller molecules called monomers

The newest 11 of 11 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.

1. 0653/42 · May/June 2025 · Q6d[1]

   Poly(ethene) is a polymer made from ethene molecules. State the general name for the small molecules that join together to form a polymer. (d) Ethene is an alkene.

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2. 0653/33 · May/June 2024 · Q8c(ii)[1]

   Naphtha is obtained from petroleum. Naphtha undergoes a process to produce ethene. State the name of the process that produces ethene from naphtha.

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3. 0653/43 · May/June 2024 · Q8b[2]

   Many ethene monomer units react together in addition polymerisation to form poly(ethene). Draw the structure of a poly(ethene) molecule to show the part formed from three ethene monomer units.

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4. 0653/32 · February/March 2024 · Q8e[2]

   Poly(ethene) is formed from ethene. Complete the sentence about this process. Poly(ethene) is formed by the polymerisation of monomer .

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5. 0653/33 · May/June 2022 · Q8c(i)[1]

   State the name of the polymer that is made from ethene.

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6. 0653/33 · May/June 2022 · Q8c(ii)[1]

   State the type of polymerisation reaction that makes this polymer from ethene.

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7. 0653/43 · May/June 2022 · Q5c(i)[1]

   State the name of the polymer formed.

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8. 0653/43 · May/June 2021 · Q8b(i)[1]

   Identify this type of polymerisation.

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9. 0653/43 · May/June 2021 · Q8b(ii)[1]

   Describe what happens to the ethene molecules during polymerisation.

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10. 0653/43 · May/June 2021 · Q8b(iii)[1]

    Ethane cannot form a polymer. Explain why.

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11. 0653/32 · February/March 2020 · Q5d(ii)[1]

    Name the addition polymer that forms from ethene monomer units.

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What examiners said

Few candidates knew that monomers join together to form a polymer.

— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0653/42 Q6(d) (Cambridge)

Many candidates gained credit for this question. Ethene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon, so addition polymerisation is possible.

— Examiner report, February/March 2024, 0653/32 Q8(e) (Cambridge)

Candidates were not familiar with the formation of polythene from ethene. Most candidates found this question challenging.

— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 0653/33 Q8(c)(i) (Cambridge)