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CAIE IGCSE Chemistry 11.8.9 Differences between addition and

CAIE IGCSE Chemistry 11.8.9 Differences between addition and
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry 0620 syllabus for exams in 2026, 2027 and 20282026–2028

Practise distinguishing addition and condensation polymerisation from structures, monomers, linkages and small molecules formed.

How this is tested

  • state whether a polymer forms by addition or condensation from its structure or monomers
  • explain that condensation polymerisation releases a small molecule
  • distinguish alkene addition polymers from polyesters and polyamides in diagrams

Question 6(e)(i)

[Maximum number: 1]

Polymers containing ester linkages are known as polyesters.

Polyamides are another type of polymer. Nylon is a polyamide.
The structure of nylon is shown in Fig. 6.2.

Fig. 6.2

Fig. 6.2

State the term used to describe the type of polymerisation used to produce polyesters and polyamides.