Organic Chemistry & Material Design — Chapter review · Physical Science: Chemistry, Grade 11

Use carbon structure, polymer properties, and life-cycle evidence to evaluate materials.

Review the key ideas

Organic Functional Groups & Isomers

Connectivity and functional groups explain differences that molecular formulas alone cannot show.

Polymers, Materials & Chemical Design

Polymer structure controls properties, and material decisions require stated use and life-cycle assumptions.

Problem 1

Why is C₂H₆O insufficient to identify a unique compound?
Answer and explanation

Different connectivities, such as ethanol and dimethyl ether, share the formula.

Response criteria

  • State a scientifically accurate conclusion.
  • Show the calculation or mechanism that supports it.
  • Include units, conditions, or limits where relevant.

Problem 2

What two products form in complete methane combustion?
Answer and explanation

CO₂ and H₂O; balanced CH₄+2O₂→CO₂+2H₂O.

Response criteria

  • State a scientifically accurate conclusion.
  • Show the calculation or mechanism that supports it.
  • Include units, conditions, or limits where relevant.

Problem 3

Chapter review: Two molecules are CH₃CH₂OH and CH₃OCH₃. Show their shared molecular formula, identify their structural-isomer relationship and distinguish their hydrogen-bond donor roles.
Answer and explanation

Both are C₂H₆O but have different connectivity, so they are structural isomers. Ethanol has an O–H donor; dimethyl ether lacks O–H and does not supply that donor pattern, although its oxygen can accept suitable interactions.

Both are C₂H₆O but have different connectivity, so they are structural isomers. Ethanol has an O–H donor; dimethyl ether lacks O–H and does not supply that donor pattern, although its oxygen can accept suitable interactions.

Response criteria

  • Use the stated measurements or conditions, with correct units.
  • Connect the result to the chemical mechanism or evidence relationship.
  • Identify the assumption, model limit or further evidence requested.

Problem 4

Explain why a cross-linked network behaves differently from loosely connected chains.
Answer and explanation

Covalent links constrain chain rearrangement, increasing network stability and limiting ordinary melting.

Response criteria

  • State a scientifically accurate conclusion.
  • Show the calculation or mechanism that supports it.
  • Include units, conditions, or limits where relevant.

Problem 5

What should a compostability comparison specify?
Answer and explanation

Temperature, moisture, biological conditions, timescale, test criteria, and access to appropriate processing.

Response criteria

  • State a scientifically accurate conclusion.
  • Show the calculation or mechanism that supports it.
  • Include units, conditions, or limits where relevant.

Problem 6

Chapter review: A part needs load index ≥70. P scores load 80, input 40 and 20 cycles; Q scores load 65, input 24 and 30 cycles; R scores load 90, input 30 and 10 cycles. Select a feasible option by input per cycle and name a missing criterion.
Answer and explanation

Q fails the load constraint. Among feasible P and R, P uses 40/20=2 input units/cycle versus R’s 30/10=3, so P is preferred under this indicator. Cost, failure variability, repair, emissions or end-of-life evidence could change the broader decision.

Q fails the load constraint. Among feasible P and R, P uses 40/20=2 input units/cycle versus R’s 30/10=3, so P is preferred under this indicator. Cost, failure variability, repair, emissions or end-of-life evidence could change the broader decision.

Response criteria

  • Use the stated measurements or conditions, with correct units.
  • Connect the result to the chemical mechanism or evidence relationship.
  • Identify the assumption, model limit or further evidence requested.
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