The chains that ultimately form plastic are known as:
Monomers
Polymers
Oil and gas molecules
Plastic fibres
Polymers are the chains that ultimately form plastic.
The correct answer is "Monomers." Monomers are small molecules that link together through a process called polymerization to form long chains known as polymers. These polymers are the building blocks of plastic. Oil and gas molecules are the raw materials from which monomers are derived, and plastic fibers are a specific form of plastic that has been spun into thread-like structures.
The chains that ultimately form plastic are known as polymers. To understand why, let's break down the process:
1. Monomers: Monomers are small molecules that can join together in a chemical reaction called polymerization. These monomers contain repeating units that can link together to form longer chains.
2. Polymerization: During polymerization, monomers undergo a chemical reaction where they bond together, forming long chains. This process can occur through various methods such as condensation polymerization or addition polymerization.
3. Polymers: The resulting long chains of bonded monomers are what we call polymers. These chains provide the structure and properties of plastic materials. Examples of common polymers used in plastic production include polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
4. Plastic fibres: Plastic fibres are a specific form of plastics that are composed of long, thin strands. These strands can be woven or knitted together to form textiles and fabrics. Examples of plastic fibres are nylon, polyester, and acrylic.
So, to recap, the monomers join together through polymerization to form polymers, which are the chains responsible for creating plastic. Plastic fibres, on the other hand, refer to a specific type of plastic in a long and thin strand form, suitable for textile and fabric applications.