CHEM 219 Module 8 Exam Questions and Answers Summer 2026

CHEM 219 Module 8 Exam
1. Polymers are large molecules made by repe ve linking of smaller units
known as ____. The terms polymer and monomer are derived from Greek roots
poly (many), mono (one), and meros (part). Polymers are classified as
macromolecules. A macromolecule is a very large molecule composed of ____ of
covalently bonded atoms. Polymers can also be classified as either ____ or
synthe c. Natural polymers include rubber, carbohydrates like starch or
cellulose, proteins, and nucleic acids. The biologically relevant natural polymers
are some mes called ____. Synthe c polymers are created by scien sts in a lab
for ____ purposes.


Answer:
Monomers; thousands; natural; biopolymers; specific


Expert Ra onale:
Monomers are the fundamental repeaLng units in polymer chemistry. The term
"macromolecule" refers to a molecule of excepLonally large molecular mass,
typically composed of thousands of atoms. Polymers can be classified as either
natural, such as biopolymers (DNA, proteins, polysaccharides), or syntheLc,
developed for specific funcLonal purposes in research or industry. Understanding
these disLncLons provides foundaLonal knowledge for the study of polymer
structure and applicaLons.


---


2. Describe how addi on polymers and condensa on polymers differ in terms of
the overall mechanism of their forma on.



100
/4




Document shared on https://www.docsity.com/en/docs/chem-219-modules-1-8-exams-and-final-exam-principles-of-organic-chemistry-2025-or-portage/13692980/
Downloaded by: precious-smith-2 ()

, Answer:
AddiLon polymers are formed by the repeLLve addiLon of monomer units
without the eliminaLon of any atoms. All atoms of the monomer are retained in
the resulLng polymer. In contrast, condensaLon polymers form through reacLons
between funcLonal groups on different monomer molecules, typically resulLng in
the eliminaLon of a small molecule such as water or methanol, so not all atoms
from the monomers are present in the final polymer.


Expert Ra onale:

The disLncLon between addiLon and condensaLon polymerizaLon is
fundamental: addiLon polymerizaLon involves chain-growth mechanisms where
vinyl monomers polymerize without any by-product, while condensaLon
polymerizaLon involves step-growth, leading to by-products and potenLally more
diverse architectures.


---


3. Match the name of each step in a free radical chain reac on to its correct
descrip on


1. TerminaLon

2. IniLaLon
3. PropagaLon


A. The producLon of radical species from non-radical species




101
/4




Document shared on https://www.docsity.com/en/docs/chem-219-modules-1-8-exams-and-final-exam-principles-of-organic-chemistry-2025-or-portage/13692980/
Downloaded by: precious-smith-2 ()

, B. The reacLon of a radical with a non-radical
C. The reacLon of two radical species with one another


Answer:
1. C
2. A
3. B


Expert Ra onale:
IniLaLon creates radicals, usually by homolyLc bond cleavage, propagaLon
involves radicals reacLng with stable molecules to generate new radicals
(sustaining the reacLon), and terminaLon occurs when two radicals combine, thus
ending the chain reacLon.


---


4. List in order of occurrence the names of the 3 steps of a radical chain reac on:


Answer:
1. IniLaLon
2. PropagaLon

3. TerminaLon


Expert Ra onale:




102
/4




Document shared on https://www.docsity.com/en/docs/chem-219-modules-1-8-exams-and-final-exam-principles-of-organic-chemistry-2025-or-portage/13692980/
Downloaded by: precious-smith-2 ()