Question 1

Which of the following best describes a polymer?

Accepted Answer

A large, usually chain-like molecule that is built from small molecules called monomers.

Question 2

Which of the following is an example of a natural polymer?

Accepted Answer

Cellulose

Question 3

What is the main difference between a homopolymer and a copolymer?

Accepted Answer

A homopolymer is made from a single type of monomer, while a copolymer is made from two or more types of monomers.

Question 4

Which reaction type is responsible for the formation of polyethene from ethene monomers?

Accepted Answer

Addition reaction

Question 5

Which property is NOT typically associated with silk fibers?

Accepted Answer

Heavy weight

Question 6

Which of the following is a significant environmental concern associated with synthetic polymers?

Accepted Answer

They can remain unchanged for decades or centuries, contributing to pollution.

Question 7

Which of the following best describes the process of vulcanization?

Accepted Answer

Heating natural rubber with sulfur to make it harder and raise its melting point.

Question 8

Which of the following is a monomer used to make polystyrene?

Accepted Answer

Styrene

Question 9

Which of the following statements about condensation reactions in polymer formation is correct?

Accepted Answer

A molecule of water is released as each new bond forms between monomers.

Question 10

Which of the following is a plausible reason why scientists look to natural polymers when designing new synthetic polymers?

Accepted Answer

Natural polymers often have desirable properties such as strength, flexibility, and biodegradability.

Question 11

Which of the following is a correct representation of the polymerization of ethene to polyethene?

Accepted Answer

$$n\,\mathrm{CH}_2=\mathrm{CH}_2 \rightarrow [-\mathrm{CH}_2-\mathrm{CH}_2-]_n$$

Question 12

Which of the following is a drawback of using synthetic polymers in food packaging?

Accepted Answer

They may release potentially carcinogenic compounds during use.

Question 13

Which of the following is an example of a copolymer?

Accepted Answer

A polymer made from both ethene and propene monomers

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why synthetic polymers have become so widely used in society?

Accepted Answer

They can be designed with specific properties for a wide range of applications.

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the environmental impact of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

Accepted Answer

It is a massive accumulation of plastic debris that poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems.

Question 16

Which of the following is a property that might make a polymer useful as an addition to paint or wood finishes?

Accepted Answer

Resistance to UV light and chemicals

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct description of the structure of DNA?

Accepted Answer

A polymer made of nucleotides, each containing a base, phosphate, and sugar.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the invention of Bakelite?

Accepted Answer

It was the first fully synthetic polymer and was used to replace materials like wood and ivory.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the formation of proteins such as silk?

Accepted Answer

Proteins are formed by condensation reactions of amino acid monomers, releasing water.

Question 20

Which of the following is a plausible reason why the development of synthetic polymers like nylon was significant during the 20th century?

Accepted Answer

They provided alternatives to scarce natural resources, such as silk, especially during wartime.

Lesson 2.1: Introduction to Polymers: Structure, Types, and Applications

Study Guide - Practice Questions