C3.7 Polymers

Question 1

What is a polymer?

Answer 1

A polymer is a substance made up of very long molecules. A polymer molecule has identical groups of atoms, repeated many times.

Question 2

What are natural polymers?

Answer 2

Natural polymers are polymers made by plants and animals, including wool, cotton and rubber.

Question 3

What are synthetic polymers?

Answer 3

Synthetic polymers are polymers that do not exist naturally; they are man-made.

Question 4

Describe low density poly(ethane)

Answer 4

The molecules in low-density poly(ethane) (LDPE) slide over each other. This makes it flexible. LDPE is strong. LDPE is used for carrier bags.

Question 5

Describe high density poly(ethane)

Answer 5

High-density poly(ethane) is strong and flexible. It is harder than LDPE. Its surfaces can be very smooth. HDPE is used in artificial knee joints.

Question 6

Describe poly (vinyl chloride)

Answer 6

Poly vinyl chloride (PVC) is waterproof, flexible and does not conduct electricity.