Question

i) Polyethylene exists either as a linear (straight-chain) polymer or as a branched polymer. Which is in high-density form? Explain.
ii) Draw how H2C=CH2 can be polymerized. What type of polymerization is method is used?

Answer 1

1) The linear polymer is the high-density form. The linear chains pack tightly into a crystal structure, so the density of high-density polyethylene is high.

2.

This is addition polymerization.