Biodegradability and disposal of polymers Quiz
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5 questions, one answer each
Each answer is checked as you go, with why.
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1. Why is poly(ethene) non-biodegradable?
- A. It has a very high melting point
- B. It contains only non-polar C–C and C–H bonds, so nucleophiles are not attracted
- C. It contains ester links
- D. It is soluble in water
2. Hydrolysis of a polyamide in hot aqueous acid gives which organic products?
- A. An alcohol and a carboxylic acid
- B. A diol and a diacid
- C. A carboxylic acid and an ammonium ion
- D. Alkenes
3. Which is a disadvantage of landfill for polyalkenes?
- A. Expensive sorting is needed
- B. Toxic gases are released
- C. The polymer persists because it is non-biodegradable
- D. Energy is wasted as heat
4. Which feature of an ester link lets it be hydrolysed?
- A. A δ+ carbonyl carbon
- B. A C–C double bond
- C. A non-polar C–H bond
- D. An ionic bond
5. What is feedstock recycling?
- A. Melting and remoulding plastic
- B. Burning plastic to release heat
- C. Breaking polymers into small molecules for reuse
- D. Burying polymer waste