Grade 12 Physical Sciences · Matter and Materials · Paper 2 (Chemistry)

Polymers (Organic Macromolecules) Grade 12

Real Polymers (Organic Macromolecules) past paper questions and answers from 2022 to 2026, with each memo split into the ticks examiners give. Try one, mark yourself, and see exactly which skill cost you marks.

past paper questions: 22 past paper questions
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Question 2.1 · May/June 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

The letters A to F in the table below represent organic compounds. Diagram for this question

2.1 Define the term unsaturated compound.(2)

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4. Question 4.2.1 · November 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
4.2 A compound with the formula $C_{10} H_{22}$ undergoes a cracking reaction according to the equation:

$C_{10} H_{22} (ℓ) \to 2 X(g) + C_{4} H_{10} (g)$

The mixture of the two products is bubbled in bromine water, $Br_{2}$ (aq), in a darkened room.

Answer the questions that follow.
4.2.1 Define the term cracking.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of crackingThe chemical process/reaction in which longer chain hydrocarbon/alkane molecules are broken down to shorter (more useful) molecules.
  2 marks · Define organic chemistry terms
5. Question 3.1.1 · May/June 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
3.1 The boiling points of straight chain aldehydes and straight chain carboxylic acids are compared. The table below shows the results obtained.

Answer the questions that follow.
3.1.1 Define the term homologous series.(2)
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1. ✓
  Definition of homologous series(A series of organic) compounds that can be described by the same general formula.
  2 marks · Define organic chemistry terms
6. Question 2.3.1 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
The letters A to H in the table below represent organic compounds.
2.3 Two different compounds in the above table are functional isomers.
2.3.1 Define the term functional isomer.(2)
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1. ✓
  Same molecular formulaCompounds with the same molecular formula,
  1 mark · Define organic chemistry terms
2. ✓
  Different functional groups/homologous seriesbut different functional groups/homologous series.
  1 mark · Define organic chemistry terms
7. Question 4.1.1 · November 2023 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
4.1 Consider the cracking reaction below.

$C_{16} H_{34} \to C_{6} H_{14} + C_{6} H_{x} + 2 C_{y} H_{z}$
4.1.1 Define cracking.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of crackingThe chemical process/reaction in which longer chain hydrocarbon/alkane molecules are broken down to shorter (more useful) molecules.
  2 marks · Define organic chemistry terms
8. Question 2.1 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
Study the table below and answer the questions that follow.
2.1 Define the term unsaturated hydrocarbon.(2)
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1. ✓
  Definition of an unsaturated hydrocarbonCompounds with one or more multiple bonds between C atoms in the hydrocarbon chain.
  2 marks · Define organic chemistry terms
9. Question 1.1 · November 2022 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
Various options are provided as possible answers to the following questions. Each question has only ONE correct answer.
1.1 Which ONE of the following terms describes hydrocarbons that contain only single bonds?(2)
1. A Isomers
2. B Saturated
3. C Unsaturated
4. D Homologous series
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  Correct optionSaturated compounds are hydrocarbons in which there are no multiple bonds between C atoms, only single bonds. Unsaturated hydrocarbons contain at least one double or triple bond.
  
  Answer: B
  2 marks · Define organic chemistry terms
10. Question 2.1 · September 2026 · Paper 2 · Provincial · 2 marks
The table below shows organic molecules (A–D) from different homologous series.
2.1 Define the term functional group.(2)
Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
1. ✓
  Definition of functional groupA bond or an atom or a group of atoms that determine(s) the physical and chemical properties of a group of organic compounds.
  2 marks · Define organic chemistry terms

Polymers (Organic Macromolecules) Grade 12 videos

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Introduction to Organic Chemistry Gr 12Kevinmathscience

Plastics and Polymers Theory - Monomers, Repeating Units and PolymersSimple Science

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