# Describe the process of addition polymerisation, including the type of monomer required and the type of bond involved in joining the monomers together.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.7.3 Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers (Chem only) · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Many small molecules called monomers join together to form a polymer
2. The monomers must be alkenes / must contain a carbon–carbon double bond / must be unsaturated
3. The carbon–carbon double bond in the monomer opens / breaks to allow monomers to join
4. The monomers are joined by covalent bonds (to form the polymer chain) / no other products are formed

## Key terms

- [addition polymerisation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/addition-polymerisation)
- [monomers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/monomers)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](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)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-process-of-addition-polymerisation-a08062dd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.