Which substance is not a polymer?

Question 29 options:

a) camp-stove fuel
b) polyester
c) DNA
d) starch
e) plastic

a) camp-stove fuel

are you sure?

I apologize for the confusion. My previous response was incorrect.

The correct answer is a) camp-stove fuel. Camp-stove fuel is typically a liquid fuel composed of various hydrocarbon compounds and is not generally considered a polymer.

The substance that is not a polymer is a) camp-stove fuel.

To determine which substance is not a polymer, let's first understand what a polymer is. A polymer is a large molecule made up of repeating subunits called monomers. These monomers are chemically bonded together to form long chains or networks. Examples of polymers include plastics, fibers, and biological macromolecules like DNA and proteins.

Now, let's examine the options given:
a) Camp-stove fuel: Camp-stove fuel can refer to various substances used as fuel in outdoor stoves, such as propane or butane. These substances are not polymers but rather simple, small molecules. So, it is a possible answer to our question.

b) Polyester: Polyester is a polymer made from repeating units of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is commonly used in textiles, clothing, and bottles. Therefore, polyester is a polymer.

c) DNA: Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is a natural polymer found in the cells of all living organisms. It consists of repeating units called nucleotides and carries genetic information. So, DNA is a polymer.

d) Starch: Starch is a complex carbohydrate composed of a large number of glucose monomers. It serves as an energy storage molecule in plants. Like DNA, starch is also a polymer.

e) Plastic: The term "plastic" is a broad category that encompasses numerous synthetic polymers, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). These polymers are widely used in various applications. Therefore, plastic is a type of polymer.

Based on this analysis, the substance that is not a polymer is a) camp-stove fuel.