Question

A) Compute the repeat unit molecular weight of polystyrene. B) Compute the number-average molecular weight for a polystyrene for which the degree of polymerization is 25,000.

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

In Polystrene, the molecular formula for the repeat unit = $C_8H_8$;

and the atomic weights of Carbon C = 12.01 g/mol

For Hydrogen, it is 1.01 g/mol

Hence, the repeat unit molecular weight is:

m = 8 (12.01 g/mol)+8(1.01 g/mol)

m = 96.08 g/mol + 8.08 g/mol

m = 104.16 g/mol

The degree of polymerization = no-average molecular weight/repeat unit molecular weight.

Mathematically;

$DP = \dfrac{\overline M_n}{m}$

$\overline M_n= DP \times m$

$\overline M_n= 25000 \times 104.16 \ g/mol$

$\overline M_n= 2604000 \ g/mol$