This PowerPoint lesson explains addition polymerisation and how to represent repeating units from monomer structures, supporting IBDP Chemistry students in mastering polymer formation. Designed for first assessment 2025, it develops the structural drawing skills and conceptual understanding required for exam success.
Addition polymerisation is the process in which unsaturated monomers containing a carbon–carbon double bond (C=C) join together to form a long-chain polymer. During the reaction, one bond in each C=C double bond breaks, allowing new single bonds to form between adjacent monomers. This lesson clearly defines addition polymerisation and shows, step by step, how to convert an alkene monomer into its polymer repeating unit.
Students practise representing repeating units using bracket notation with the subscript n, and learn how to deduce the original monomer from a given polymer structure. Worked examples include polyethene, polypropene, polychloroethene (PVC), polystyrene and polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE / Teflon™). Naming conventions are explained using IUPAC terminology alongside common commercial names.
The lesson also links structure to properties, explaining why polymers have strong covalent bonds along each chain but only weak intermolecular forces between chains. Environmental considerations are included, encouraging discussion about durability, plastic waste and sustainability.
Starter activities, structured explanations, worked examples and practice questions are included, making this resource ideal for classroom teaching, consolidation or revision.
File type included: PowerPoint (.pptx)
Last updated: January 2026 – worked examples refined and environmental context expanded in line with the 2025 IB Chemistry syllabus.
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