5 Questions
Which of the following best defines a polymer?
A very large molecule made by linking together smaller molecules called monomers
Which of the following is an example of a polymer?
Plastics
How are polymers named?
By using the common name of the monomer
What is polymerization?
A process in which small molecules combine chemically to produce a large chainlike molecule
When was the first synthetic polymer discovered?
1909
Study Notes
Polymers
- A polymer is a large molecule composed of many repeating units of smaller molecules, called monomers.
- Polymers can be naturally occurring, such as proteins and cellulose, or synthetic, such as nylon and polyethylene.
Examples of Polymers
- Proteins, cellulose, nylon, and polyethylene are all examples of polymers.
Naming Polymers
- Polymers are typically named based on the repeating unit that makes up the polymer chain.
Polymerization
- Polymerization is the process by which monomers are linked together to form a polymer.
History of Polymers
- The first synthetic polymer, Parkesine, was discovered in 1855 by Alexander Parkes. It was exhibited at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London.
Test your knowledge on polymerization reactions and the basics of polymers with this quiz. Learn about the process of linking monomers to form polymers and discover examples of polymers such as plastics and nylons.
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