Question 1

Which of the following best describes the process of addition polymerization?

Accepted Answer

Monomers add to one another so that the resulting polymer contains all atoms present in the monomers.

Question 2

Which polymer is commonly used for electrical insulation and is derived from the monomer $$\mathrm{CH_2$=CH_2$}$$?

Accepted Answer

Polyethylene

Question 3

What is the main structural difference between high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE)?

Accepted Answer

HDPE consists of mostly linear molecules that pack closely together, while LDPE is more highly branched.

Question 4

Which of the following polymers is used as a nonstick coating for cooking utensils and is composed entirely of fluorine and carbon atoms?

Accepted Answer

Polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon)

Question 5

Which process is used to make bottles by blowing a bubble of molten polymer inside a hollow mold?

Accepted Answer

Blow molding

Question 6

Natural rubber is composed of isoprene units. What chemical process makes rubber harder and more resistant to heat?

Accepted Answer

Vulcanization

Question 7

Which of the following is a condensation polymer that releases water as a by-product and is commonly used in fibers?

Accepted Answer

Nylon

Question 8

Which equation represents the formation of a polyester from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid?

Accepted Answer

$$n\ \mathrm{HO{-}CH_2CH_2{-}OH} + n\ \mathrm{HO{-}C_6H_4{-}COOH} \rightarrow \mathrm{[{-}O{-}CH_2CH_2{-}O{-}C_6H_4{-}CO{-}]_n} + 2n\ \mathrm{H_2O}$$

Question 9

Which property distinguishes thermoplastic polymers from thermosetting polymers?

Accepted Answer

Thermoplastic polymers will soften upon heating, while thermosetting polymers will not.

Question 10

Which of the following is a major environmental concern associated with the incineration of PVC plastic?

Accepted Answer

Release of hydrochloric acid (HCl) gas

Question 11

Which of the following statements about crystalline and amorphous polymers is correct?

Accepted Answer

Crystalline polymers have molecules lined up in neat rows, forming strong fibers, while amorphous polymers have randomly tangled molecules and tend to be soft and rubbery.

Question 12

Which of the following is a conducting polymer due to its conjugated double bonds?

Accepted Answer

Polyacetylene

Question 13

Which of the following is a copolymer used in automobile tires and is composed of styrene and butadiene units?

Accepted Answer

Styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR)

Question 14

Which of the following is a major advantage of latex paints compared to oil-based paints?

Accepted Answer

Latex paints use water as a solvent and are more environmentally friendly.

Question 15

Which of the following is a composite material?

Accepted Answer

Fiberglass boat hull

Question 16

Which equation represents the formation of nylon, a polyamide, via condensation polymerization?

Accepted Answer

$$n\ \mathrm{HO{-}(CH_2$)_6{-}NH_2$} + n\ \mathrm{HO{-}(CH_2$)_4{-}COOH} \rightarrow \mathrm{[{-}NH{-}(CH_2$)_6{-}NH{-}CO{-}(CH_2$)_4{-}CO{-}]_n} + 2n\ \mathrm{H_2O}$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a property of polycarbonates that makes them suitable for safety glasses and helmets?

Accepted Answer

They are tough and clear.

Question 18

Which of the following is a silicone polymer, and what is its distinguishing feature compared to other polymers?

Accepted Answer

Polysiloxane; it contains silicon atoms instead of carbon atoms in the backbone.

Question 19

Which of the following is a reason why plasticizers are added to vinyl polymers?

Accepted Answer

To make the material more flexible.

Polymers: Structure, Types, and Applications

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