Question

How can you differentiate between addition and condensation polymerisation?

Answer 1

In addition polymerisation, the molecules of the same or different monomers add together to form a large polymer molecule without the elimination of simple molecules like $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{HCl}$ etc.

Whereas in condensation polymerisation two or more bifunctional molecules undergo a series of condensation reactions with the elimination of some simple molecules like $\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}$, $\mathrm{HCl}$, etc leading to the formation of polymers.