Polymer Basics

1. What is a Polymer?

A long chain molecule made of many smaller molecules called monomers

A small molecule made of one atom

A large molecule made of twisted chains

A large molecule in the shape of the letter "P"

2.

The plastic bottles shown in this picture are made of what TYPE of polymer?

Natural

Synthetic (man-made)

DNA

Latex

PLASTIC is a synthetic or man-made polymer. The other three choices are natural and not used to make bottles.

Explanation

PLASTIC is a synthetic or man-made polymer. The other three choices are natural and not used to make bottles.

3. The Greek work "plasticos" literally means....

Moldable, able to be shaped

Weak

Easy to break

4. Which of the following is NOT a synthetic or man-made polymer?

Polypropylene

Nylon

Teflon

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are natural polymers, not synthetic. They are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and they serve as an essential source of energy for living organisms. Carbohydrates like starch and cellulose are natural polymers made from sugar monomers. On the other hand, polypropylene, nylon, and Teflon are synthetic, man-made polymers commonly used in industries for producing plastic goods, fabrics, and non-stick surfaces respectively. These are created through chemical processes, unlike carbohydrates which are naturally occurring.

Explanation

Carbohydrates are natural polymers, not synthetic. They are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and they serve as an essential source of energy for living organisms. Carbohydrates like starch and cellulose are natural polymers made from sugar monomers. On the other hand, polypropylene, nylon, and Teflon are synthetic, man-made polymers commonly used in industries for producing plastic goods, fabrics, and non-stick surfaces respectively. These are created through chemical processes, unlike carbohydrates which are naturally occurring.

5. Which one of these is NOT true?

Polymers are made of monomers

Zinc is a great atom for making polymers because of its four valence electrons.

Linear polymers tend to be stretchy.

Carbon is great for making polymers because of its four electrons. Zinc does not form polymers.

Explanation

Carbon is great for making polymers because of its four electrons. Zinc does not form polymers.

6.

Plastics are made from this starting material.

Plants

Petroleum or oil

Dirt

7.

This shape of a polymer, because of the branching structure, will most likely have what property?

Stretchy

Stores energy

Strong and able to hold weight

8. Which one of the following polymer structures is known to be STRONG?

Linear

Branched

Ring

9. Which one of the following is NOT a natural polymer?

DNA

Carbohydrates

Polyethylene

Latex

10. Which of the following recycling codes would be found on the bottom of a plastic water bottle?

5, PP

4, LDPE

1, PETE

3, V

11. The process by which small monomers chemically bond to form a large polymer is known as ________.

Polymerization is the chemical process where small molecules, known as monomers, join together to form a long-chain polymer. There are two main types of polymerization: addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. In addition polymerization, monomers add to each other without the loss of any small molecules, while in condensation polymerization, monomers bond together with the release of a small molecule, often water. This process is crucial in the production of various synthetic polymers like plastics and rubber.

Explanation

Polymerization is the chemical process where small molecules, known as monomers, join together to form a long-chain polymer. There are two main types of polymerization: addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. In addition polymerization, monomers add to each other without the loss of any small molecules, while in condensation polymerization, monomers bond together with the release of a small molecule, often water. This process is crucial in the production of various synthetic polymers like plastics and rubber.

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