Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following best defines a polymer?
Which of the following best defines a polymer?
- A very large chainlike molecule made by combining monomers (correct)
- A small molecule made by linking together smaller molecules called monomers
- A process in which monomers chemically combine to form a large molecule
- A type of plastic or nylon
What are examples of polymers?
What are examples of polymers?
- Chemical reactions and chainlike molecules
- Monomers and polymers
- Plastics and nylons (correct)
- Vinyl chloride and polyethylene terephthalate
How are polymers commonly named?
How are polymers commonly named?
- Using the common name of the monomer (correct)
- Using the IUPAC name of the monomer
- Using the chemical formula of the monomer
- Using the name of the polymerization process
What is polymerization?
What is polymerization?
When was the first synthetic polymer discovered?
When was the first synthetic polymer discovered?
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.