Download polymers - WordPress.com

POLYMERS
What is a polymer?
A polymer is a large molecule
(a macromolecule) made up of
many smaller repeating units.
The word “poly” comes from the Greek
word “many” and “mer” means “parts”.
All polymers are made of small
repeating molecules called monomers.
What do you think
“mono” means? mer?
one
part
Example:
monomer + monomer + monomer +
monomer + monomer + monomer =
polymer
Joining monomers to form polymers
is done through a chemical reaction
known as dehydration synthesis.
In reality, the number of monomer
units in a polymer commonly
ranges from 1,000 to 10,000 or
more.
Reversed Example:
polymer = monomer + monomer +
monomer + monomer + monomer +
monomer
Breaking down polymers into their
individual monomers is done through a
chemical reaction known as hydrolysis.
Polymer Arrangements:
Linear Polymers
Branched Polymers
Cross-linked Polymers
Examples of Polymers:
Natural Polymers – nucleic acids,
proteins, carbohydrates
Manufactured Polymers - plastics,
nylon, rubber, styrofoam, erasers
Some examples of things
that are not polymers
are metal, water, glass.
Lets Sum It Up!
What are polymers?
Large molecules made up of
many smaller molecules.
monomers
Polymers are made from __________.
How are polymers formed? Through a
dehydration
synthesis
process called __________
_______.
How are polymers broken apart?
Through a process called
hydrolysis
_________.
Separate the molecule to show two
identical monomers.
Circle the repeating units of this
polymer.
Natural Polymers
Nucleic Acids
(DNA/RNA)
Proteins
Polysaccharides
(Carbohydrate)
Monomer
(repeating units)
nucleotide
amino acids
monosaccharide
Newspaper Activity:
Why did the newspaper tear straight
in one direction and crooked in the
other direction???