Final answer:
To form polymers from monomers, a process called dehydration synthesis must occur, resulting in the release of water as monomers bond together. In reverse, hydrolysis breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water. There is also addition polymerization, another method to create polymers, which doesn't involve the loss of water.
Step-by-step explanation:
To form polymers from monomers, a reaction known as dehydration synthesis must take place. In this chemical process, two monomers bond together, releasing a water molecule as a byproduct. This occurs when the hydrogen of one monomer combines with the hydroxyl group of another monomer, thereby creating a covalent bond and releasing water (H2O). As more monomers join, this process results in a growing polymer chain.
In contrast, the breakdown of polymers into monomers is accomplished through a process called hydrolysis, which means ‘to split with water.’ During hydrolysis, a water molecule is added to a polymer, breaking the covalent bonds and resulting in individual monomers. A hydrogen atom (H+) is attached to one part of the broken bond, while a hydroxyl molecule (OH-) is attached to the other, effectively splitting the polymer into monomers.
It is important to note that aside from dehydration synthesis, polymers can also be formed through addition reactions, where monomers simply add to each other without the loss of water molecules, as encountered in the polymerization of ethylene into polyethylene.