Simple Condensation polymerisation polymer explained using nylon GCSE

Summary

This video explains the complex process of condensation polymerization, using nylon as an example. The presenter describes how two different monomers, each with reactive ends, bond to form a polymer. The key to this process is the elimination of a byproduct, typically water, as the monomers link together through an amide bond, which is the same bond found in proteins. As the process continues, the polymer chain grows, with each monomer joining by losing a molecule of water. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding this mechanism and encourages hands-on practice to master the concept.

Takeaways

• 😀 Condensation polymerization involves building a polymer while releasing a byproduct, usually water.
• 😀 Nylon is used as an example to explain the process of condensation polymerization.
• 😀 The monomers used in condensation polymerization are different from each other, unlike in addition polymerization.
• 😀 The reactive ends of the monomers, represented by 'jazzy' sections, are crucial for polymer formation.
• 😀 The carbon chain in the middle of the monomers can vary in length and is represented as a box in exams.
• 😀 The byproduct of condensation polymerization is water (H2O), formed by removing an -OH group and an -H group from the monomers.
• 😀 The amide bond, also known as a peptide link, is formed between the two monomers and links them together.
• 😀 The amide bond is the same type of bond that links amino acids to form proteins.
• 😀 Condensation polymerization can continue with each monomer linking to another, forming a long chain of polymers.
• 😀 To better understand the process, using models or visual aids like molly mods in class can help clarify the concept.

Q & A

What is the focus of the video?

The video focuses on condensation polymerization, using nylon as an example to explain how polymers are built through this process.

How do the two monomers in the nylon example differ from each other?

The two monomers are different in structure, which is what distinguishes condensation polymerization from addition polymerization. They each have reactive 'jazzy' sections at their ends that allow them to link together.

What do the boxes drawn in the middle of the monomers represent?

The boxes represent carbon chains of varying lengths, which can represent one carbon or hundreds, depending on the size of the polymer.

Why is the process called condensation polymerization?

It's called condensation polymerization because a byproduct, typically water (H2O), is released during the polymerization process.

What is the byproduct of condensation polymerization in this case?

The byproduct of this condensation polymerization is water (H2O), which is formed by removing an OH group from one monomer and an H from the other.

What bond is formed between the two monomers during polymerization?

An amide bond, also known as a peptide link, is formed between the two monomers. This is the same type of bond that connects amino acids to form proteins.

Why is it important to remove the water during condensation polymerization?

Removing water is necessary to link the monomers together and form the polymer chain. It breaks the least number of bonds, facilitating the polymerization process.

What happens if the polymerization process continues?

If the process continues, more monomers can join by losing water, forming a longer polymer chain. This can happen repeatedly, as long as the functional groups are present at both ends of the monomers.

What is the function of the functional groups on both ends of the monomers?

The functional groups at both ends of the monomers are essential because they allow the monomers to link together repeatedly, forming a long polymer chain.

How can this concept be further clarified in a classroom setting?

This concept can be clarified by using visual aids like molecular models (e.g., molly mods) and hands-on modeling exercises, which can help students better understand the process of condensation polymerization.