Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best defines a polymer?
Which of the following best defines a polymer?
What are examples of polymers?
What are examples of polymers?
How are polymers commonly named?
How are polymers commonly named?
What is polymerization?
What is polymerization?
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When was the first synthetic polymer discovered?
When was the first synthetic polymer discovered?
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Study Notes
Definition of a Polymer
- Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating structural units called monomers, connected by covalent chemical bonds.
- They can be natural, like proteins and DNA, or synthetic, like plastics and nylon.
Examples of Polymers
- Common natural polymers include cellulose, rubber, and proteins.
- Synthetic examples are polyethylene (used in plastic bags), polystyrene (used in foam cups), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC, used in pipes).
Naming of Polymers
- Polymers are often named based on their monomeric units; for example, polyethylene is derived from ethylene, its monomer.
- Common naming conventions include including the prefix "poly-" and the name of the monomer.
Polymerization Process
- Polymerization is the chemical process through which monomers combine to form a polymer, typically involving addition or condensation reactions.
- It can occur through various methods, such as chain-growth polymerization and step-growth polymerization.
Discovery of Synthetic Polymers
- The first synthetic polymer, Bakelite, was discovered in 1907 by Leo Baekeland.
- This marked a significant milestone in the development of modern plastics and synthetic materials.
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Description
Test your knowledge on polymerization reactions and the fundamentals of polymers with this quiz. Learn about monomers, polymers, and examples such as plastics and nylons.
