Chapter 24.3, Problem 16R

To determine

To explain: Four uses of synthetic polymers.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Synthetic polymers are prepared in laboratories and their properties can be modified.

Four uses of synthetic polymers are as follows:

1. Plastics − Plastics are found in everyday objects like plastic containers, toys, water bottles, carry bags etcetera. These materials are lightweight, cheap and very common.
2. Clothes − Synthetic fibers used to make clothes are a type of synthetic polymers.
3. Non-stick pans − Teflon, a type of synthetic polymer is used to make non-stick pans.
4. Pipes − The most common material used for making a pipe, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a synthetic polymer.

Conclusion:

Synthetic polymers are very useful in our daily lives and are very common due to their low prices but a major disadvantage of synthetic polymers is that they are non-biodegradable and hence harmful for the nature.