Question

On the basis of the mode of their formation, the polymers can be classified as:
(A) As addition polymers only
(B) As condensation polymers only
(C) As copolymers
(D) Both as addition and condensation polymers

Answer 1

Hint: Polymerization is the process in which two or more monomers combine to form polymers. The polymers are also known as macromolecules. Polymers can be classified on a variety of criteria, one of which is their mode of formation.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
On the basis of the mode of their formation, the polymers can be classified as addition and condensation polymers.

Addition polymers are those polymers which are formed by a large number of monomers without the formation of any byproduct like water (${{H}_{2}}O$), ammonia ($N{{H}_{3}}$), etc. Examples of additional polymers are 1. Polystyrene, which is formed by the addition of styrene units.

2. Polythene, which is formed by the addition of ethylene units.
Condensation polymers are those polymers which are formed by large numbers of monomers with the formation of byproducts like water (${{H}_{2}}O$), ammonia ($N{{H}_{3}}$), etc. An example of a condensation polymer is Nylon-6,6, which is formed by the condensation of adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine.
Correct Option: (D) Both as addition and condensation polymers.

Additional Information: Other than the mode of formation, the polymers can also be classified on the basis of their arrangement. The monomers can have head to head, tail to tail and head to tail arrangement. On the basis of shape, the polymers are classified as linear polymers, branched polymers, and cross-linked polymers.

Note: Polymers are classified on the basis of how they get synthesised. Note that in the case of addition polymerization, the molecular weight of the polymer is a multiple of the molecular weight of the monomer. But in the case of condensation polymers, the molecular weight of the polymer is not the multiple of molecular weight of the monomer.