Science Notes: Natural vs Synthetic Materials Flashcards
What is the main difference between natural and synthetic materials?
Natural materials are found in nature without human intervention, while synthetic materials are man-made through chemical synthesis using natural resources.
Why is Kevlar used in bulletproof vests?
Kevlar is super-strong and absorbs energy from bullets due to its unique molecular structure.
What are some advantages of synthetic materials over natural fibers?
Synthetic materials are durable, stretchable, waterproof, stain-resistant, and immune to insect damage.
How is nylon produced, and what are its properties?
Nylon is produced by condensation polymerization, where monomers form polymers. It is strong, heat-resistant, and resistant to fungi and insects.
What is graphene, and why is it considered a ‘super material’?
Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms with exceptional strength and flexibility, made synthetically via chemical vapor deposition.
Can you provide examples of common natural and synthetic materials?
Natural: Cotton, wool, silk, leather, rubber. Synthetic: Kevlar, nylon, plastic, rayon, polyester.
How do natural materials typically differ from synthetic materials in terms of their origin and production?
Natural materials are harvested or extracted from living organisms or minerals, while synthetic materials are chemically synthesized from raw resources like petroleum.
What are polymers and monomers, and how are they related to synthetic materials?
Monomers are small molecules that form polymers, the large structures in synthetic materials like nylon and polyethylene.
Describe the process of chemical synthesis and provide an example.
Chemical synthesis involves breaking down natural resources into smaller molecules (monomers) and recombining them to form synthetic materials. Example: Nylon production.
Can you name some properties that are often associated with natural materials?
Natural materials are biodegradable, breathable, absorbent, and may break down over time.
What are some properties that synthetic materials are often engineered to possess?
Synthetic materials are durable, waterproof, stain-resistant, insect-resistant, and non-biodegradable.
What are the potential environmental impacts of using natural and synthetic materials?
Natural materials are renewable and biodegradable but may have envernmental impacts. Synthetic materials are non-biodegradable, contribute to pollution, and rely on fossil fuels.
