2021 O Level Chem P1 Q40 — Polymers / Addition and Condensation Solution

Answer: B. Nylon is a condensation polymer: it is made by reacting a diamine with a dicarboxylic acid (or diacyl chloride), eliminating small molecules such as water. Nylon is a strong, flexible fibre used for ropes, fishing line and parachutes. So the correct row is nylon, condensation, parachutes.

Poly(ethene), by contrast, is an addition polymer made from ethene (CH₂=CH₂) and is used for plastic bags and cling film. Rows that label nylon as an addition polymer, or poly(ethene) as a condensation polymer, or that swap the uses, are therefore wrong.