Synthetic Fibers Practice Questions
20 free Synthetic Fibers practice questions for the General Science. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which of the following is known as 'regenerated fiber' because it is made by chemically processing natural cellulose?
- A Nylon
- B Polyester
- C Rayon
- D Acrylic
Correct answer: Rayon
Rayon is derived from natural wood pulp or cotton linters, but it undergoes extensive chemical treatment to be spun into fibers. For this reason, it is classified as a semi-synthetic or regenerated fiber rather than a fully synthetic one.
Which was the first fully synthetic fiber, developed in the 1930s without using any natural raw materials like cellulose?
- A Rayon
- B Terylene
- C Nylon
- D PVC
Correct answer: Nylon
Nylon was the first truly synthetic fiber, synthesized from coal, water, and air. It gained massive popularity during World War II for making parachutes and hosiery due to its high strength and elasticity.
Synthetic fibers are made of long chains of repeating chemical units. What is the technical term for these large molecules?
- A Monomers
- B Isotopes
- C Polymers
- D Catalysts
Correct answer: Polymers
Polymers are high-molecular-weight compounds formed by the polymerization of smaller units called monomers. The specific arrangement and type of monomers determine the properties of the resulting fiber.
Which synthetic fiber is commonly used as a substitute for wool because it is lightweight, warm, and resistant to moths?
- A Polyester
- B Nylon
- C Acrylic
- D Spandex
Correct answer: Acrylic
Acrylic fiber, often sold under trade names like Orlon or Acrilan, closely resembles wool in texture. It is preferred for sweaters and blankets because it is cheaper than natural wool and easier to wash.
PET, a very familiar form of polyester used for making bottles and utensils, stands for:
- A Polyethylene terephthalate
- B Polyethylenated triglyceride
- C Polyether terpolymer
- D Polyethylene triacetate
Correct answer: Polyethylene terephthalate
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. In fiber form, it is highly crease-resistant and durable, making it the most produced synthetic fiber in the world.
What is the primary reason why synthetic clothes are dangerous to wear while working in a kitchen or near a fire?
- A They melt and stick to the body on heating
- B They catch fire very slowly and smoulder for hours
- C They shrink permanently and become brittle when heated
- D They are too heavy when heated
Correct answer: They melt and stick to the body on heating
Unlike natural fibers like cotton which burn to ash, synthetic fibers are thermoplastics. They melt upon heating, and if they catch fire, the molten plastic sticks to the skin, causing severe and deep burn injuries.
Which property of Nylon makes it well suited for manufacturing climbing ropes and parachutes?
- A Very low stretch under load
- B High elasticity and strength
- C High water absorption capacity
- D High density and heavy weight
Correct answer: High elasticity and strength
Nylon is exceptionally strong—a nylon thread is actually stronger than a steel wire of comparable thickness. Its ability to stretch and return to its original shape helps absorb the shock of a fall during climbing.
A blend of polyester and cotton, often used in school uniforms and shirts, is commercially known as:
- A Polywool
- B Polycot
- C Terene
- D Nylocoton
Correct answer: Polycot
Polycot (or Poly-cotton) is a blended fabric that combines the breathability of cotton with the durability and wrinkle-resistance of polyester. This makes the fabric easier to maintain and longer-lasting.
Which synthetic fiber is known for its extreme elasticity and is widely used in swimwear and athletic apparel?
- A Kevlar
- B Spandex
- C Rayon
- D Polypropylene
Correct answer: Spandex
Spandex can be stretched up to 500-600% of its original length and immediately return to its original size. It is usually blended with other fibers to provide stretch and comfort to tight-fitting garments.
In Terylene (Dacron) fiber, the repeating units of the polymer chain are joined by which type of functional group?
- A Ether
- B Ester
- C Amide
- D Ketone
Correct answer: Ester
Terylene is a polyester, which means its repeating units are linked by ester groups along the main chain. Esters are also the compounds that give many fruits their characteristic sweet smell.
Which fiber is often called 'artificial silk' because of its lustrous appearance and similar texture to natural silk?
- A Nylon
- B Rayon
- C Terylene
- D Acrylic
Correct answer: Rayon
Rayon was developed to mimic the properties of silk at a much lower cost. It can be dyed in vibrant colors and has a drape similar to natural silk, making it popular in the fashion industry.
What is 'Terylene', a popular polyester fiber, produced from?
- A Ethylene glycol and Terephthalic acid
- B Adipic acid and Hexamethylenediamine
- C Vinyl chloride and Vinylidene chloride
- D Cellulose and Acetic anhydride
Correct answer: Ethylene glycol and Terephthalic acid
Terylene (also known as Dacron) is formed by the condensation polymerization of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. It is widely used for making textile fibers and sails for boats.
Synthetic fibers generally absorb very little water compared to natural fibers. This property is known as having:
- A High hygroscopy
- B Low moisture regain
- C High capillary action
- D High porosity
Correct answer: Low moisture regain
Because synthetic fibers are non-porous and hydrophobic, they do not soak up water. This allows synthetic clothes to dry much faster than cotton or wool, which is advantageous for outdoor gear.
Which of the following is a high-strength synthetic fiber used specifically in bulletproof vests and high-performance tires?
- A Nylon 6,6
- B Terylene
- C Teflon
- D Kevlar
Correct answer: Kevlar
Kevlar is a para-aramid synthetic fiber with a very high tensile strength-to-weight ratio. Its molecular structure contains many inter-chain bonds, making it five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis.
The process by which liquid polymer is forced through tiny holes to form solid filaments is called:
- A Galvanizing
- B Vulcanizing
- C Casting
- D Spinning
Correct answer: Spinning
In the production of synthetic fibers, 'spinning' refers to the extrusion of a polymer melt or solution through a device called a spinneret. As the liquid exits, it solidifies into long, continuous fibers.
Which synthetic polymer is used to make 'Teflon' coatings for non-stick cookware?
- A Polystyrene
- B Polyethylene terephthalate
- C Polyurethane
- D Polytetrafluoroethylene
Correct answer: Polytetrafluoroethylene
PTFE is a synthetic fluoropolymer of tetrafluoroethylene. It has one of the lowest coefficients of friction of any solid, which prevents food from sticking to the surface of pans.
Why do synthetic fibers often cause static electricity 'clinging' and small sparks when removed in dry weather?
- A They conduct electricity better than cotton or wool
- B They react with nitrogen in the air to form charged particles
- C They contain metal salts added during the dyeing process
- D They absorb little moisture, so charge stays on the surface
Correct answer: They absorb little moisture, so charge stays on the surface
Natural fibers hold a small amount of water which helps bleed off static charges. Because synthetic fibers are very dry, friction causes electrons to build up on the surface, resulting in static cling and shocks.
Which of the following is an environmental disadvantage of synthetic fibers?
- A They release chlorine gas when buried in landfills
- B They require far more farmland than cotton or jute crops
- C They release large amounts of methane during washing
- D They contribute to microplastic pollution in oceans
Correct answer: They contribute to microplastic pollution in oceans
Synthetic fibers are non-biodegradable and shed millions of tiny plastic filaments (microfibers) during washing. These microplastics are too small to be filtered by wastewater plants and eventually end up in the food chain.
Nylon 6,6 is named so because:
- A It was discovered in June 1966
- B It is six times stronger than cotton thread of the same size
- C It melts at a temperature of 660 degrees Celsius
- D Each of its two monomers has six carbon atoms
Correct answer: Each of its two monomers has six carbon atoms
Nylon 6,6 is made from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. Since both of these precursor chemicals contain a chain of 6 carbon atoms, the resulting polymer is designated as 6,6.
Which fiber is produced using the 'Viscose' process?
- A Nylon
- B Polyester
- C Rayon
- D Spandex
Correct answer: Rayon
The Viscose process involves dissolving cellulose in carbon disulfide and sodium hydroxide to create a thick, 'viscous' liquid. This liquid is then extruded into an acid bath to regenerate the cellulose as rayon fibers.