# Describe how the monomers of addition polymers and condensation polymers differ, and state one type of molecule produced as a by-product during condensation polymerisation but not during addition polymerisation.

> Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) — 10.4 Polymers (Chem only) · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Addition polymer monomers contain a carbon–carbon double bond (C=C / unsaturated bond)
2. Condensation polymer monomers have/contain two functional groups (one at each end / bifunctional)
3. During condensation polymerisation a small molecule is released / produced as a by-product
4. The by-product is water (or hydrogen chloride)

## Key terms

- [addition polymerisation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/addition-polymerisation)
- [condensation polymerisation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/condensation-polymerisation)
- [monomer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/monomer)
- [by-product](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/by-product)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-the-monomers-of-addition-911f291d) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.