A Level Chemistry OCR Practice Exam

Which type of bonding is involved in the formation of polymers from monomers?

1. Metallic bonding

2. Ionic bonding

3. Covalent bonding

4. Hydrogen bonding

The correct answer is: Covalent bonding

Covalent bonding is the correct type of bonding involved in the formation of polymers from monomers. In the process of polymerization, monomers—small, simple molecules—undergo chemical reactions that lead to the formation of long chains of repeated units known as polymers. In these reactions, covalent bonds are formed between the atoms of the monomers, leading to strong, stable connections that create the polymer structure. Covalent bonds involve the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, which helps to establish the strong linkage necessary for the stability and integrity of the polymer. The ability of covalent bonds to form diverse arrangements and structures is crucial in determining the properties of different types of polymers, such as their strength, flexibility, and thermal stability. Other types of bonding, such as metallic, ionic, and hydrogen bonding, do not play a role in this specific process. Metallic bonding typically involves a 'sea of electrons' that are free to move, which is not applicable to the covalent nature of polymers. Ionic bonding, characterized by the transfer of electrons between atoms resulting in charged ions, does not facilitate the polymerization of uncharged monomer molecules into long chains. Hydrogen bonding is a weaker intermolecular force that can affect the physical properties of polymers once