Chapter 27, Problem 41P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the brittleness of the objects and balls made up of natural rubber when exposed to air for longer periods should be given.  Also the reason behind slowness in objects made of polyethylene should be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Polymers:

Monomers combine together to form polymers. Monomers are the repeating units of small molecules which link together to form polymers and the process is called as polymerization.

Two types of polymers:

• Synthetic and biopolymers.
• DNA is an example for biopolymer and these type of polymers are synthesized by cells.
• Polymers synthesized by scientists are called synthetic polymers and some examples are nylon, polyester etc.

Natural rubber:

• Monomer unit is isoprene unit $\left(\text{2-methyl-1,3-butadiene}\right)$
• The double bonds in natural rubber is having Z configuration.
• There will be appropriately 5000 isoprene units in a molecule of rubber.