AS-level AQA Organic Chemistry Exam Study
Questions with Complete Solutions
(Verified
Correct Answers) Latest Update 2024
Define the term 'Alkenes' - ANSWER An unsaturated hydrocarbon with the general
formula CnH2n, containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond
How can we test for the presence of a C=C double bond? - ANSWER Add bromine water (an
orange solution) to the unknown solution. If a C=C double bond is present then the solution will
decolourise (turn colourless).
What conditions are needed for an alcohol to be made from an alkene? - ANSWER Steam
High temperature
High pressure
Acid catalyst
How many sigma bonds and pi bonds are in a single bond? - ANSWER 1 sigma
0 pi
How many sigma and pi bonds are in a double bond? - ANSWER 1 sigma
1 pi
How many sigma and pi bonds in a triple bond? - ANSWER 1 sigma
2 pi
,Why can double bonds not rotate? - ANSWER Two p-orbitals have overlapped to make a pi
orbital.
Why are alkenes more chemically reactive than alkanes? - ANSWER The double bond is electron
rich.
Why are the physical properties of alkenes similar to those of the alkanes? - ANSWER Van der
Waals forces are the only type of intermolecular forces that act between both alkanes and
alkenes.
Why can single bonds rotate? - ANSWER Two p-orbitals have not overlapped. There are no pi
orbitals.
Define the term 'Bonding in alkenes' - ANSWER Involves double covalent bonds, a centre of high
electron density
Define the term 'Addition polymers' - ANSWER A long chain molecule formed by an addition
reaction. They are formed from monomers which have a carbon-carbon double bond.
Define the term 'monomer'. - ANSWER An individual molecule that is repeated n times to
make a polymer.
Define the term 'polymer backbone' - ANSWER The longest series of covalently bonded
atoms that together create the continuous chain of the molecule
Define the term 'repeating unit' - ANSWER The smallest group of atoms that produce the
polymer when repeated over and over
State one use for poly(ethene) or polythene - ANSWER Carrier bags or washing up bowls
State one use for poly(propene) or polypropylene - ANSWER Yoghurt containers or car bumpers
, State one use for poly(chloroethene) or poly(vinyl chloride) - ANSWER Aprons or drainpipes
State one use for poly(propenenitrile) or acrylic - ANSWER Clothing fabrics
State one use for poly(phenylethene) or polystyrene - ANSWER Packing materials or electrical
insulation
Explain how you draw polymers from monomers - ANSWER 1) Change the double bond in the
monomer to a single bond
(this is the repeating unit)
2) Add a long bond to each end of the repeating unit.
3) Draw square brackets over the long bonds
4) Add an 'n' outside of the square brackets in the bottom corner
What type of bonding holds different polymer chains together? - ANSWER
Intermolecular forces of attraction (e.g. Van der Waals)
Explain how plasticisers can be used to modify polymers - ANSWER They are small molecules
which get in-between the polymer chains and force them apart. This allows the layers to slide
over each other (making it more flexible)
Explain why polymers are not biodegradeable - ANSWER They polymer backbone is made up
of strong, non-polar C-C and C-H bonds.
This makes them unreactive and unresponsive to attacks by enzymes or other molecules.
Questions with Complete Solutions
(Verified
Correct Answers) Latest Update 2024
Define the term 'Alkenes' - ANSWER An unsaturated hydrocarbon with the general
formula CnH2n, containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond
How can we test for the presence of a C=C double bond? - ANSWER Add bromine water (an
orange solution) to the unknown solution. If a C=C double bond is present then the solution will
decolourise (turn colourless).
What conditions are needed for an alcohol to be made from an alkene? - ANSWER Steam
High temperature
High pressure
Acid catalyst
How many sigma bonds and pi bonds are in a single bond? - ANSWER 1 sigma
0 pi
How many sigma and pi bonds are in a double bond? - ANSWER 1 sigma
1 pi
How many sigma and pi bonds in a triple bond? - ANSWER 1 sigma
2 pi
,Why can double bonds not rotate? - ANSWER Two p-orbitals have overlapped to make a pi
orbital.
Why are alkenes more chemically reactive than alkanes? - ANSWER The double bond is electron
rich.
Why are the physical properties of alkenes similar to those of the alkanes? - ANSWER Van der
Waals forces are the only type of intermolecular forces that act between both alkanes and
alkenes.
Why can single bonds rotate? - ANSWER Two p-orbitals have not overlapped. There are no pi
orbitals.
Define the term 'Bonding in alkenes' - ANSWER Involves double covalent bonds, a centre of high
electron density
Define the term 'Addition polymers' - ANSWER A long chain molecule formed by an addition
reaction. They are formed from monomers which have a carbon-carbon double bond.
Define the term 'monomer'. - ANSWER An individual molecule that is repeated n times to
make a polymer.
Define the term 'polymer backbone' - ANSWER The longest series of covalently bonded
atoms that together create the continuous chain of the molecule
Define the term 'repeating unit' - ANSWER The smallest group of atoms that produce the
polymer when repeated over and over
State one use for poly(ethene) or polythene - ANSWER Carrier bags or washing up bowls
State one use for poly(propene) or polypropylene - ANSWER Yoghurt containers or car bumpers
, State one use for poly(chloroethene) or poly(vinyl chloride) - ANSWER Aprons or drainpipes
State one use for poly(propenenitrile) or acrylic - ANSWER Clothing fabrics
State one use for poly(phenylethene) or polystyrene - ANSWER Packing materials or electrical
insulation
Explain how you draw polymers from monomers - ANSWER 1) Change the double bond in the
monomer to a single bond
(this is the repeating unit)
2) Add a long bond to each end of the repeating unit.
3) Draw square brackets over the long bonds
4) Add an 'n' outside of the square brackets in the bottom corner
What type of bonding holds different polymer chains together? - ANSWER
Intermolecular forces of attraction (e.g. Van der Waals)
Explain how plasticisers can be used to modify polymers - ANSWER They are small molecules
which get in-between the polymer chains and force them apart. This allows the layers to slide
over each other (making it more flexible)
Explain why polymers are not biodegradeable - ANSWER They polymer backbone is made up
of strong, non-polar C-C and C-H bonds.
This makes them unreactive and unresponsive to attacks by enzymes or other molecules.
