Question

Fully discuss and describe the processes of forming and breaking down polymers.

Answer 1

The process of forming polymers

• Polymer is formed through a process known as dehydration.

• Hydrogen of one monomer combine with Hydroxyl group of another monomer releasing a molecules of water.
• The monomers that are joined via dehydration synthesis reaction share electrons and form covalent bonds with each other.
• As additional monomer join via multiple dehydration synthesis reaction form a chain of repeating monomer which form polymer.

The process of breaking down polymers

• polymers are broken down into monomers through hydrolysis process.
• Water is used during the breakdown process.
• During these reaction polymer is broken in two component whereby if two component are ionized one part gain hydrogen atom and the other gain OH.