Polymers Practice Questions
20 free Polymers 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.
What is a polymer?
- A A small molecule of just a few atoms
- B A large molecule made of repeating monomer units
- C A metallic mixture formed by combining two or more metals
- D A compound formed by electrostatic attraction between ions
Correct answer: A large molecule made of repeating monomer units
A polymer is a large macromolecule composed of repeating structural units called monomers. These monomers are chemically bonded to form long chains. Polymers can be natural or synthetic.
The small repeating units that join together to form polymers are called:
- A Isotopes
- B Monomers
- C Catalysts
- D Allotropes
Correct answer: Monomers
Monomers are small molecules that chemically bond to form polymers. Through polymerization, many monomers link to create long chains. The properties of the polymer depend on the type of monomer.
Which of the following is a natural polymer?
- A Polyethylene
- B PVC
- C Cellulose
- D Nylon
Correct answer: Cellulose
Cellulose is a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. It is made of repeating glucose units. Unlike synthetic polymers, it is biodegradable.
Polymerization is the process of:
- A Breaking polymers apart into their constituent monomers
- B Joining monomers to form polymers
- C Melting a plastic for reshaping
- D Dissolving a polymer in hot solvent
Correct answer: Joining monomers to form polymers
Polymerization is the chemical reaction in which monomers combine to form polymers. This process creates long molecular chains. It can occur through addition or condensation mechanisms.
Which type of polymerization involves the elimination of small molecules like water?
- A Addition polymerization
- B Condensation polymerization
- C Free radical polymerization
- D Chain scission
Correct answer: Condensation polymerization
Condensation polymerization produces polymers along with small molecules such as water or methanol. This process often forms polyesters and polyamides. It differs from addition polymerization, which produces no by-products.
Polyethylene is produced from which monomer?
- A Ethane
- B Ethanol
- C Ethene
- D Ethanoic acid
Correct answer: Ethene
Polyethylene is formed by the polymerization of ethene (ethylene). The double bonds in ethene open up to form long chains. It is widely used in plastic bags and containers.
Which of the following polymers is commonly used in making clothing fibers?
- A PVC
- B Nylon
- C Bakelite
- D Polystyrene
Correct answer: Nylon
Nylon is a synthetic polymer widely used in textiles. It is strong, lightweight, and resistant to wear. Nylon is formed through condensation polymerization.
Bakelite is classified as a:
- A Thermoplastic resin
- B Thermosetting polymer
- C Flexible elastomer
- D Natural biodegradable polymer
Correct answer: Thermosetting polymer
Bakelite is a thermosetting polymer that hardens permanently when heated. It cannot be remelted or reshaped. It is commonly used in electrical insulators.
Which polymer is used for non-stick cookware coatings?
- A PVC
- B Polystyrene
- C Teflon
- D Nylon
Correct answer: Teflon
Teflon is the trade name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). It has low friction and high heat resistance. These properties make it suitable for non-stick cookware.
Rubber is classified as which type of polymer?
- A Phenol-formaldehyde
- B Cured epoxy resin
- C Polyvinyl chloride
- D Melamine resin
Correct answer: Polyvinyl chloride
Rubber is an elastomer, meaning it can stretch and return to its original shape. Natural rubber is obtained from latex. Synthetic rubbers are also widely produced.
Which of the following is an example of a thermoplastic polymer?
- A Phenol-formaldehyde
- B Epoxy resin
- C Polyvinyl chloride
- D Melamine resin
Correct answer: Polyvinyl chloride
PVC is a thermoplastic: it softens when heated and can be reshaped, which is why thermoplastics are recycled more easily than thermosets. Phenol-formaldehyde, epoxy resin, and melamine resin all cure into rigid cross-linked networks that cannot be softened again.
Which term describes the specific arrangement of atoms that recurs along a polymer chain?
- A Functional group
- B Repeat unit
- C Structural isomer
- D Cross-link
Correct answer: Repeat unit
The repeat unit is the specific arrangement of atoms that recurs along the polymer chain, and it is derived from the monomer used. A functional group is only part of that unit, a structural isomer is a different compound with the same formula, and a cross-link is a bond joining separate chains.
Which property makes polymers suitable for electrical insulation?
- A High electrical conductivity
- B High density
- C Low electrical conductivity
- D Magnetic properties
Correct answer: Low electrical conductivity
Polymers generally have low electrical conductivity, making them good insulators. This property is useful in electrical wiring and appliances. Materials like PVC are commonly used for insulation.
Which polymer is biodegradable?
- A Polystyrene
- B High-density polyethylene
- C Polylactic acid
- D PVC
Correct answer: Polylactic acid
Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer made from renewable resources like corn starch. It breaks down more easily in the environment. Many conventional plastics are not biodegradable.
Vulcanization improves rubber by:
- A Making it brittle and easy to crack
- B Increasing its elasticity and strength
- C Reducing its elasticity and mechanical strength
- D Making it soluble in water and organic solvents
Correct answer: Increasing its elasticity and strength
Vulcanization involves heating rubber with sulfur to form cross-links between polymer chains. This increases elasticity, strength, and durability. It improves resistance to heat and wear.
Which polymer is formed by addition polymerization?
- A Nylon
- B Polyester resin
- C Polyethylene
- D Protein
Correct answer: Polyethylene
Polyethylene is formed by addition polymerization of ethene. In this process, no small molecules are eliminated. It is one of the simplest and most widely used polymers.
The strength of many synthetic polymers is increased by:
- A Decreasing the average polymer chain length
- B Cross-linking between chains
- C Removing monomers
- D Adding a plasticizer
Correct answer: Cross-linking between chains
Cross-linking forms bonds between polymer chains, increasing strength and rigidity. This is common in thermosetting plastics. It enhances mechanical and thermal properties.
Which factor mainly influences the properties of a polymer?
- A The size of the reaction vessel used
- B Chain length and molecular arrangement
- C The stirring speed during polymerization
- D The color of the added pigment
Correct answer: Chain length and molecular arrangement
The physical and chemical properties of a polymer depend on chain length, structure, and cross-linking. Linear, branched, and cross-linked polymers behave differently. Molecular structure determines flexibility and strength.
Which polymer is commonly used in packaging foam products?
- A Polystyrene
- B Nylon
- C Bakelite
- D Natural rubber
Correct answer: Polystyrene
Polystyrene is widely used to make foam packaging materials. It is lightweight and provides good cushioning. Expanded polystyrene is commonly used in food containers and packing materials.
Proteins are natural polymers composed of which monomers?
- A Glucose
- B Fatty acids
- C Amino acids
- D Nucleotides
Correct answer: Amino acids
Proteins are polymers made of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. They perform essential functions in living organisms. The sequence of amino acids determines protein structure and function.