U3-3 - Materials

Question 1

What type of materials are plastics?

Answer 1

Polymers

Question 2

Polymers

Answer 2

Long chain molecules formed by joining together a large number of small molecules called monomers.

Question 3

Monomers

Answer 3

Small molecules which can be joined together to make polymers.

Question 4

How are polymers named?

Answer 4

By adding ‘poly’ to the monomer name.

(e.g. ethene → polyethene)

Question 5

Many plastics and synthetic fibres are made from the ________ fraction of crude oil.

Answer 5

naphtha

Question 6

If you have a polymer name, how do you get the monomer name?

Answer 6

Remove ‘poly’.

(E.g. polyethene → ethene)

Question 7

Thermosoftening plastics (or thermoplastics)

Answer 7

Plastics which soften when heated (low melting points).

Question 8

Thermosetting plastics

Answer 8

Plastics which do not soften when heated (high melting points).

Question 9

Which type of plastics can be recycled?

Answer 9

Thermosoftening (or thermoplastics)

Question 10

Bioplastics

Answer 10

Plastics made from natural materials (e.g. starch or lactic acid) which break down naturally.

Question 11

Biodegradable plastics

Answer 11

Plastics that contain additives which help them break down naturally, e.g. starch or cellulose.

Question 12

Why should we not burn plastics?

Answer 12

Harmful/poisonous gases released (e.g. CO).

Question 13

Compared to metals and plastics, ceramics are:

harder or softer?

Answer 13

harder

Question 14

Compared to metals and plastics, ceramics are:

less brittle or more brittle?

Answer 14

more brittle

Question 15

Give one example of how ceramics are used.

Answer 15

Any one of:

joint replacements, catalytic converters, kitchen knives, etc.