# Poly(ethene) is a simple molecular covalent substance used to make plastic bags. It does not conduct electricity and has a relatively low melting point. Explain why poly(ethene) does not conduct electricity and why it has a low melting point.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Chemistry (4CH1) — 1.7 Covalent substances · Explain · 4 marks

> Poly(ethene) is a simple molecular covalent substance. It is used to make plastic bags and food packaging because it is flexible and has a low melting point.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Poly(ethene) does not conduct electricity because it has no charged particles that are free to move
2. Poly(ethene) has a low melting point because it has weak intermolecular forces between molecules
3. Only a small amount of energy is needed to overcome the weak intermolecular forces
4. The strong covalent bonds within the molecules are NOT broken on melting

## Key terms

- [simple molecular covalent substance](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/simple-molecular-covalent-substance)

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