International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Chemistry Practice Exam

Why are addition polymers challenging to dispose of?

1. They have weak C-C bonds

2. They are inert due to strong C-C bonds

3. They release harmful gases

4. They are too heavy to transport

The correct answer is: They are inert due to strong C-C bonds

Addition polymers are indeed particularly challenging to dispose of primarily because they are inert due to the strong carbon-carbon (C-C) bonds formed in their structures. These strong C-C bonds make addition polymers highly stable and resistant to chemical degradation, which contributes to their durability and longevity in the environment. When these materials are disposed of, they do not readily break down through natural processes, which means they can persist in landfills or the environment for many years. This resistance to degradation complicates waste management and contributes to pollution issues, as they accumulate in the ecosystem without becoming inert or biodegradable. The attributes of addition polymers, such as being lightweight or the potential for releasing harmful gases, do not depict the fundamental issue of their stability and lack of reactivity, which dictates their disposal challenges.