Polymer Quiz

What is polymerization?

• The process of breaking down polymer chains

• The process of recycling plastics

• The process of forming polymer chains from monomers

• The process of melting polymers into new shapes

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of thermoplastics?

• They can be remelted and reshaped

• They have a highly cross-linked structure

• They soften upon heating

Answer explanation

Thermosets have a cross-linked structure. That is what makes it so they can NOT be changed by heat.

What is the difference between thermoset and thermoplastic polymers?

• Thermoset polymers can be recycled, whereas thermoplastics cannot

• Thermoset polymers cannot be remelted once cured, thermoplastics can be

Answer explanation

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-3

Which property is NOT associated with thermoset polymers?

• Ability to be reshaped by heating

• Resistance to deformation under heat

• High resistance to chemicals

Answer explanation

Only thermoplastics can be reshaped using heat.

What is a monomer?

• A small molecule that can join with other similar molecules to form a polymer

• A type of polymer that consists of only one kind of monomer

• A by-product of the polymerization process

Answer explanation

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-1

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Which type of plastic can be repaired by welding?

• Thermoset plastics

• Thermoplastics

Answer explanation

Welding involves heat, and only thermoplastics can be deformed using heat. With thermoset plastics you need to use other methods like adhesives.

Which type of plastic will float in water?

• Thermoset plastics

• Thermoplastic

Answer explanation

The higher density of the thermoset plastics is what causes them to sink.

True or False? It is recommended to burn plastics to help identify them.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

• Many plastics give off toxic fumes such as styrene, HCl, and hydrogen cyanide gas​.

These plastics have a permanent shape after curing due to the crosslinks in the polymer structure.

• Thermoplastics

• Thermoset Plastics

• Recyclable Plastics

True or False? All polymers are plastics.

• True

• False