Synthetic Materials

Front

What are synthetic materials?

Back

Materials made by humans through chemically changing natural resources.

Front

What are natural materials?

Back

Materials that are made directly from nature without chemical alteration.

Front

What is the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources?

Back

Renewable resources can be replenished naturally (like trees), while nonrenewable resources cannot be replaced once used (like fossil fuels).

Front

Give an example of a synthetic material.

Back

Nylon, which is made from petrochemicals.

Front

Give an example of a natural material.

Back

Cotton, which is grown from cotton plants.

Front

What is the process of making synthetic materials called?

Back

Synthesis, which involves chemical processes to create new materials.

Front

What is an example of a renewable resource?

Back

Solar energy, which can be replenished.

Front

What is an example of a nonrenewable resource?

Back

Coal, which takes millions of years to form and cannot be replenished in a human timeframe.

Front

What is the role of plants in producing synthetic materials?

Back

Plants can be a source of raw materials for some synthetic materials, like paper.

Front

What is the main component of synthetic fibers like nylon?

Back

Petrochemicals, derived from petroleum.