Understanding Plastics and Polymers

What is the origin of the word 'polymer'?

• Latin

• Greek

• French

• German

What are plastics primarily derived from?

• Wood

• Oil or petroleum

• Water

• Metal

Which of the following is a naturally occurring plastic?

• Nylon

• Amber

• Polyester

• Polyethylene

What is latex a form of?

• Metal

• Glass

• Rubber

• Plastic

What are some biodegradable plastics commonly made from?

• Corn or vegetable starches

• Metal alloys

• Glass fibres

• Synthetic fibres

What is required for biodegradable plastics to break down quickly?

• High temperatures

• Composting

• Freezing

• Sunlight

Why can't biodegradable plastics be recycled in a traditional way?

• They are too strong

• They decompose too quickly

• They are too expensive

• They are too heavy

What are synthetic plastics made from?

• Natural fibres

• Polymers from petrochemical resources

• Plant extracts

• Animal fats

Which of the following is a finite resource used to make synthetic plastics?

• Solar energy

• Crude oil

• Wind energy

• Geothermal energy

Besides crude oil, what other resources can plastics be derived from?

• Sand and clay

• Natural gas and coal

• Wood and paper

• Water and air