Question

In which of the following pairs the polymer is correctly matched with the forces possessed by them?
A. Neoprene —- Weak intermolecular forces
B. Terylene —- Hydrogen bonding
C. Polystyrene —- Very weak intermolecular forces
D. Polythelene —- Hydrogen bonding

• A. B,C
• B. A,D
• C. A, B
• D. B,D

Hint:

When studying polymers, pay close attention to their molecular structure and the types of bonding they exhibit, as this influences their mechanical properties and applications.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The forces between polymer molecules play a significant role in determining their properties. Here’s how the polymers are matched with their corresponding intermolecular forces: - Neoprene is a synthetic polymer known for having weak intermolecular forces. - Terylene, also known as polyester, exhibits hydrogen bonding due to the presence of ester linkages. - Polystyrene has very weak intermolecular forces, as it is a thermoplastic polymer. - Polyethylene is a polymer known for exhibiting hydrogen bonding. Thus, the correct pairs are option (3) A, B.

Answer 2

Step 1: Understanding Polymers and Intermolecular Forces
Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating units called monomers. The properties of polymers, including their strength, flexibility, and melting point, are largely influenced by the types of intermolecular forces present between their chains.

Step 2: Analyzing Each Polymer and Its Forces
- Neoprene is a synthetic rubber with moderate intermolecular forces mainly due to dipole-dipole interactions and some van der Waals forces. These are relatively weak forces compared to hydrogen bonding or ionic bonds, so "weak intermolecular forces" is a suitable description.

- Terylene (also known as PET - polyethylene terephthalate) contains ester groups capable of forming hydrogen bonds between polymer chains. This hydrogen bonding increases its strength and melting point.

- Polystyrene consists of non-polar aromatic rings attached to a carbon chain, mainly held together by weak van der Waals forces, but describing these forces as "very weak" underestimates their impact. It is better described as having weak intermolecular forces but not "very weak."

- Polyethylene is a non-polar polymer with simple van der Waals (London dispersion) forces. It does not possess hydrogen bonding because it lacks polar functional groups.

Step 3: Conclusion
Hence, options A and B correctly match the polymer with the forces they possess: Neoprene with weak intermolecular forces and Terylene with hydrogen bonding.