Chapter 10, Problem 1RQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Differentiation in the structure of PVC from polyethylene and list the uses of polyethylene.

Concept Introduction:

PVC is the abbreviation of Polyvinyl chloride. It is a synthetic plastic polymer which is produced widely throughout the world. There are two forms of PVC namely rigid and flexible. The rigid form is used in the construction of pipe, bottles etc. whereas the flexible form is used as plumbing, electrical cable etc.

Polyethylene more commonly known as polythene is widely used for plastic bags, plastic films etc.

Answer to Problem 1RQ

Solution:

The difference in the structure is as shown below:

The main uses of polyethylene are packaging of food, storage of water, household containers etc.

Explanation of Solution

Polyethene is made of monomer ethylene, a chain of carbon atoms where a carbon atom is attached to another carbon atom, whereas PVC is made of monomer vinyl chloride, a chain of carbon atoms where one carbon atom in each repeated until it is attached to the chlorine atom.

The monomer of polyethylene is ethylene molecule and that of polyvinylchloride is vinyl chloride molecule.

Structure of both the polymers is as shown below:

The uses of polyethylene are as below:

• Food packaging
• Water bottles
• Shopping bags
• Packaging films and film wraps
• Chemical and household containers
• Plumbing pipes and tubes
• Construction materials

Conclusion

Thus, the difference in the structure is as shown below:

The main uses of polyethylene are packaging of food, storage of water, household containers etc.