Based on the chemical relationship between polymers and plastics, one can say that all polymers are plastics but not all plastics are polymers. True False
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is False.
Not all plastics are polymers, even though all plastics are made from polymer materials. To understand this, it is important to differentiate between the two terms: polymer and plastic.
Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating structural units, typically referred to as monomers. These monomers are chemically bonded in long chains or networks. Polymers can be both natural and synthetic, and they are not limited to plastics alone. For instance, natural polymers include substances like cellulose and proteins, which are essential for biological structures and functions. Synthetic polymers include materials like nylon and polyester, which are commonly used in textiles and manufacturing.
On the other hand, plastics are a subset of polymers. Plastics specifically refer to polymers that can be molded into different shapes when they are heated or softened. This characteristic of being moldable or formable is what distinguishes plastics from other types of polymers. While most plastics are indeed polymers (such as polyethylene and polypropylene), there are certain types of materials, like thermosets, which are also considered plastics but do not exhibit the same polymeric behavior. Thermoset plastics, for example, undergo a chemical change when heated, making them rigid and irreversible, and they do not have the same flexibility as polymers like thermoplastics.
Therefore, while it is true that all plastics are polymers, not all polymers are considered plastics. Polymers can exist in forms that are not moldable or can be used for different purposes outside of plastic production, like fibers, films, or even bioactive substances. In conclusion, the statement is false because the term plastic is more narrowly defined than the broader category of polymers.