5 Questions
Which term describes the small molecules used to build a polymer?
Monomers
What is the molecular weight of polymers?
Always given as an average
In the ideal case described, what is the mass of the polymer sample?
5.00·106 g
What does polydispersity measure in a polymer sample?
The distribution of molecular mass
When is the molecular weight by number equal to the molecular weight by mass?
Only for homodisperse polymers
Study Notes
Polymer Terminology
- Monomers are the small molecules used to build a polymer.
Molecular Weight of Polymers
- The molecular weight of polymers is typically high, with values ranging from tens of thousands to millions of units.
Ideal Case: Mass of Polymer Sample
- In the ideal case, the mass of the polymer sample is the sum of the masses of individual polymer chains.
Polydispersity
- Polydispersity measures the distribution of molecular weights in a polymer sample.
- It indicates the range of molecular weights present in the sample, rather than a single discrete value.
Molecular Weight by Number vs. Molecular Weight by Mass
- The molecular weight by number (Mn) is equal to the molecular weight by mass (Mw) when all polymer chains in the sample have the same molecular weight, i.e., in a monodisperse system.
Test your knowledge on polymer molecular weight and degree of polymerization with this quiz! Learn about the different types of molecular weight measurement and understand the concepts of monomers and polymers. Challenge yourself with questions about average molecular weight and more.
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