Quiz on Polymer Degradation & Environment

What is a polymer?

• A long chain molecule made from many repeating units

• A short chain molecule

• A type of metal

• A kind of plant

What is degradation?

• Increase in physical properties

• Reduction in the physical properties of a polymer

• A type of polymer

• A method of making plastics

Which type of polymer is produced from biological processes?

• Chemical Polymers

• Synthetic Polymers

• Natural Polymers

• Thermal Polymers

What does thermal degradation involve?

• Degradation from UV light

• Degradation caused by water

• Degradation when exposed to high temperatures

• Degradation at low temperatures

What is one effect of polymer degradation?

• Increase in molecular weight

• Increase in flexibility

• Increase in toughness

• Change in appearance and color

What causes oxidative degradation?

• Exposure to water

• Exposure to atmospheric oxygen

• Exposure to sunlight

• Exposure to cold temperatures

What is photodegradation?

• Degradation due to UV radiation

• Degradation due to chemicals

• Degradation due to heat

• Degradation due to moisture

Which polymer is typically affected by chain depolymerization?

• Polystyrene

• Poly Methyl methacrylate

• Polyethylene

• Polyvinyl chloride

What is a common cause of chemical degradation?

• Exposure to air

• Exposure to aggressive chemicals

• Exposure to high temperatures

• Exposure to sunlight

What is hydrolysis?

• A reaction with UV light

• A type of thermal degradation

• A reaction with water

• A reaction with oxygen