# Nylon is a condensation polymer made from two different types of monomer. Explain how condensation polymerisation differs from addition polymerisation in terms of the monomers used and the products formed.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 4.8 Synthetic polymers · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Condensation polymerisation uses monomers with two functional groups (whereas addition polymerisation uses monomers with one functional group / a double bond)
2. Addition polymerisation uses monomers that contain a carbon–carbon double bond (C=C / are unsaturated / are alkenes)
3. In condensation polymerisation a small molecule (such as water) is also produced / lost when monomers join
4. In addition polymerisation the only product is the polymer itself / no small molecule is lost

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" 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/nylon-is-a-condensation-polymer-made-31f67e5b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.