Making Synthetic Materials - Middle School Physical Science

What is a chemical process?

A process that changes substances by breaking and forming chemical bonds. Rearranges atoms to create new substances with different properties.
Which property usually increases when polymer chains become cross-linked?

Strength and heat resistance. Cross-links prevent chains from sliding past each other.
Which term describes a substance formed by a chemical reaction?

Product. New substances created when reactants undergo chemical change.
What natural resource is the primary feedstock for making ammonia in the Haber process?

Natural gas (methane) as a source of hydrogen. Methane provides the hydrogen atoms needed for ammonia synthesis.
What is a monomer?

A small molecule that can bond to others to form a polymer. Building blocks that link together during polymerization.
Which process directly turns many monomers into a long-chain polymer?

Polymerization. Chemical reaction that links monomers end-to-end.
What is an example of a synthetic polymer made from ethene?

Polyethylene. Common plastic formed by linking ethene monomers.
What is the Haber process mainly used to produce for synthetic fertilizers?

Ammonia, $NH_3$ . This nitrogen compound is essential for plant growth.
What is a catalyst used for in making synthetic materials?

To speed a reaction without being consumed. Lowers activation energy, making reactions faster and more efficient.
What is meant by "chemical transformation" when making synthetic materials?

Rearranging atoms by reactions to form new substances with new properties. Chemical bonds break and reform to create materials with different properties.
Which type of polymer generally softens when heated and can be remolded: thermoplastic or thermoset?

Thermoplastic. Weak intermolecular forces allow chains to slide when heated.
Which chemical process turns crude oil into smaller molecules used to make plastics?

Cracking (breaking large hydrocarbons into smaller ones). Heat breaks carbon-carbon bonds in long hydrocarbon chains.
Which term names the new substances formed by a chemical reaction in making synthetics?

Products. Result from rearranging atoms of the reactants.
What is the chemical processing step that separates crude oil into groups by boiling point?

Fractional distillation. Uses different boiling points to separate components.
What is a common synthetic material made by polymerizing ethene (ethylene)?

Polyethylene (a common plastic). Ethene monomers link through addition polymerization.
What is the key idea of condensation polymerization?

Monomers bond and release a small molecule, often water. Forms polymers plus byproducts like H₂O.
What is polymerization?

A reaction that links monomers together to form a polymer. Chemical process joining small molecules into long chains.
What is vulcanization?

Adding sulfur cross-links to rubber to improve strength. Creates bridges between polymer chains.
Identify the correct classification: crude oil used to make plastic is a feedstock or a finished product?

Feedstock. Raw material that will be chemically processed.
What is an example of a synthetic material made from plant cellulose?

Rayon (regenerated cellulose fiber). Wood pulp cellulose is chemically processed and reformed.
What is a catalyst in a chemical manufacturing process?

A substance that speeds a reaction without being used up. Lowers activation energy to make reactions occur faster.
Identify the best reason synthetic materials can have new properties: new molecules form or only particle size changes?

New molecules form. Different molecular structures create different properties.
Which process makes polyethylene from ethene: polymerization, combustion, or evaporation?

Polymerization. Ethene monomers link together to form long polyethylene chains.
What is cracking in petroleum processing?

Breaking large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more useful molecules. Heat breaks C-C bonds to create smaller, reactive molecules.
Which synthetic material is made by polymerizing ethene: polyethylene or glass?

Polyethylene. Ethene ( $C_2H_4$ ) monomers join to form polyethylene chains.
What is polymerization?

A reaction that links many monomers to form a polymer chain. Monomers chemically bond together forming long chains.
What is a natural resource in the context of making synthetic materials?

A raw material from Earth used as a starting chemical feedstock. These materials are chemically processed to create synthetic products.
Which natural resource is the main feedstock for many plastics and synthetic fibers?

Crude oil (petroleum). Contains hydrocarbons that serve as building blocks for synthetics.
What is a catalyst, and what does it do in industrial chemical manufacturing?

A substance that speeds reactions without being consumed. Lowers activation energy, making reactions faster and more efficient.
What is cracking in petroleum processing?

Breaking large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones. Heat breaks long chains into shorter, more useful molecules.
What is the main purpose of controlling temperature and pressure in synthesis?

To control reaction rate and product yield. Optimizes efficiency and desired product formation.
What is the main idea of condensation polymerization?

Monomers link while releasing a small molecule such as water. Forms polymers while eliminating small molecules like $H_2O$ .
What is a feedstock in industrial chemistry?

A raw material (often oil, gas, or biomass) used to make chemicals. Source material that gets chemically transformed.
What is a chemical process as used in manufacturing synthetic materials?

A reaction or series of reactions that changes substances into new ones. Chemical bonds break and form to create different substances.
What is a catalyst?

A substance that speeds a reaction without being consumed. Lowers activation energy, enabling faster reactions.
Which polymer type hardens permanently after curing: thermoplastic or thermoset?

Thermoset. Cross-linked structure prevents remelting after initial curing.
What is a chemical reaction?

A process that rearranges atoms to form new substances. Bonds break and form to create different compounds.
Which process converts large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more useful ones for plastics?

Cracking. Breaks C-C bonds in large molecules using heat.
Which natural resource is the main feedstock for many plastics and synthetic fibers?

Crude oil (petroleum). Contains hydrocarbons that become plastic building blocks.
What is the natural resource most commonly used to make many plastics?

Crude oil (petroleum). Contains hydrocarbons that become plastic monomers.
What is a polymer?

A large molecule made of repeating monomer units. Long chains formed when monomers bond together repeatedly.
What is the role of refining in turning crude oil into useful chemical feedstocks?

It separates and prepares fractions for further reactions. Purifies raw materials for chemical reactions.
Which natural resource is the most common feedstock for many plastics: crude oil, granite, or wood?

Crude oil. Contains hydrocarbons that serve as building blocks for plastic polymers.
Choose the word that completes the statement: Plastics are usually made by ______ of monomers.

polymerization. Monomers chemically bond together to form plastic polymer chains.
What is the main chemical difference between addition and condensation polymerization?

Condensation releases a small molecule; addition does not. Like nylon forming water; addition joins without losing atoms.
What is the main evidence that a chemical process has transformed a resource into a new material?

A new substance forms with different properties than the reactants. Chemical reactions create materials with unique characteristics.
What is a chemical reaction in terms of atoms and bonds?

Atoms rearrange as bonds break and new bonds form. Chemical reactions involve breaking old bonds and forming new ones.
What is a catalyst in chemical manufacturing?

A substance that speeds a reaction without being used up overall. Lowers activation energy but regenerates after the reaction.
Identify the term for using heat to drive chemical reactions in manufacturing.

Thermal processing (heating to supply activation energy). Heat provides energy needed to start chemical reactions.
Which option best describes polymerization: monomers bond into chains or chains break into monomers?

Monomers bond into chains. Small molecules link together forming long polymer chains.
Which property usually increases with more cross-linking: flexibility or rigidity?

Rigidity. Cross-links restrict chain movement, making materials stiffer.
What is distillation used for when turning crude oil into useful feedstocks?

Separating liquids by different boiling points into fractions. Heat separates components based on volatility differences.
Which term means substances you make in a chemical process: reactants or products?

Products. New substances formed when reactants undergo chemical change.
What is cracking in petroleum processing?

Breaking large hydrocarbons into smaller molecules. Heat or catalysts split long chains into shorter ones.
Which property change best indicates polymerization occurred: color change or new long-chain molecules formed?

New long-chain molecules (polymers) formed. Polymer formation creates new molecular structures, not just appearance changes.
What is cross-linking in polymers?

Forming bonds between polymer chains to make a network structure. Creates stronger, more rigid materials through interconnected chains.
What chemical process separates crude oil into fractions by boiling point?

Fractional distillation. Separates components based on different boiling temperatures.
Which option is a typical synthetic polymer product: polyethylene or limestone?

Polyethylene. A plastic made from ethylene monomers; limestone is natural.
Which change indicates a new substance formed during manufacturing: melting or reacting?

Reacting. Melting is physical; reacting forms new chemical bonds.
What is polymerization?

A reaction that links many small molecules into a polymer. Monomers chemically bond together to form long chains.
Which law states that mass is conserved in chemical processes?

Law of Conservation of Mass. Total mass before equals total mass after reaction.
What is a chemical process (in manufacturing)?

A process that changes substances by breaking and forming chemical bonds. Rearranges atoms through bond breaking/forming to create new substances.
Which statement best defines a feedstock: final product or starting chemical for manufacturing?

Starting chemical for manufacturing. Raw materials undergo chemical processing to make products.
Which option is a synthetic fiber made by chemical processing: cotton or nylon?

Nylon. Cotton is natural; nylon is synthesized from chemicals.
Which type of polymer is set by extensive cross-linking and does not remelt easily: thermoplastic or thermoset?

Thermoset. Cross-links prevent chains from sliding past each other.
Identify the correct sequence for making plastic from crude oil: polymerization → distillation, or distillation → polymerization?

Distillation → polymerization. First separate components, then chemically link monomers.
What is a natural resource in materials science?

A raw material from nature used to make products. Starting materials like oil, minerals, or plants.
What is a synthetic material?

A human-made material produced by chemical processes from raw resources. Created through chemical reactions that transform natural raw materials.
Which option is a correct example of a natural resource to synthetic material transformation?

Crude oil to plastic through cracking and polymerization. Shows complete chemical transformation process.
Identify the correct term: linking monomers into a chain is called what?

Polymerization. The chemical process of joining monomers into polymers.
What is cross-linking in polymers?

Forming chemical bonds between polymer chains to make a stronger network. Creates 3D networks that increase material strength.
Which option is a chemical change typical of making synthetics: melting wax or polymerizing ethene?

Polymerizing ethene. Ethene molecules chemically bond to form polyethylene.
What synthetic material is produced by polymerizing ethene?

Polyethylene (a plastic). Most common plastic formed by linking ethene molecules together.
Which option best describes why catalysts are used in making synthetic materials?

They speed reactions without being consumed. Lower activation energy for faster production.
Which statement correctly describes conservation of mass in making synthetics?

Total mass of reactants equals total mass of products in a closed system. Atoms rearrange but total mass remains constant.
What is a monomer in the context of making plastics?

A small molecule that chemically bonds to form a polymer chain. Building blocks that connect through chemical bonds to create polymers.
Which statement best distinguishes a physical change from a chemical process making a synthetic material?

Chemical processes form new substances; physical changes do not. Only chemical processes create entirely new substances.
Identify the correct pair: natural resource → synthetic material made from it.

Petroleum → plastic (for example, polyethylene). Oil molecules are chemically transformed into plastic polymers.
Identify the correct balanced equation for making ammonia in the Haber process.

$N_2 + 3H_2 \rightarrow 2NH_3$ . Nitrogen and hydrogen combine in a 1:3 ratio to form ammonia.
Which polymer type is typically remeltable and reshaped when heated?

Thermoplastic. Linear chains allow melting and reshaping multiple times.
What is vulcanization used for when transforming natural rubber into a stronger material?

Adding sulfur cross-links to rubber to improve strength and heat resistance. Sulfur forms bridges between polymer chains chemically.
Which natural resource is commonly used to make ammonia for fertilizers?

Natural gas (methane). Provides hydrogen for the Haber process to synthesize ammonia.
Which chemical process converts plant sugars into ethanol (a chemical feedstock)?

Fermentation. Microorganisms convert sugars to alcohol through metabolic processes.
Which option best describes the role of a catalyst in making synthetic materials?

It speeds the reaction without being consumed. Lowers activation energy to make reactions occur faster.
What natural resource is the main source of many common plastics?

Crude oil (petroleum). Contains hydrocarbons that serve as raw materials for plastic production.
What is cross-linking in polymers?

Forming chemical bonds between polymer chains to make a network. Creates 3D structures by connecting separate polymer chains together.
What chemical process separates crude oil into fractions used to make plastics?

Fractional distillation (refining). Separates by boiling points to isolate useful components.
Which property change best supports that polymer cross-linking occurred: lower strength or higher strength?

Higher strength. Cross-links create stronger intermolecular connections.
What is refining (fractional distillation) used for in making synthetic materials from oil?

Separating crude oil into fractions based on boiling points. Different components vaporize at different temperatures.
Identify the sign that a natural resource has been chemically transformed into a synthetic material.

New substances form with new properties. Chemical bonds break and reform differently.
What refining step separates crude oil into fractions used to make chemicals?

Fractional distillation. Separates oil components by boiling point differences.
What is the key idea of conservation of mass during chemical processing of materials?

Total mass of reactants equals total mass of products. Atoms rearrange but are never created or destroyed.
Which option is most likely a chemical process: melting wax or curing epoxy resin?

Curing epoxy resin. Curing forms new chemical bonds; melting is physical.
What property change is commonly caused by increased polymer cross-linking?

Greater strength and heat resistance (often less flexibility). Cross-links restrict chain movement, increasing rigidity and durability.
What is a chemical process?

A process that changes substances by rearranging atoms into new molecules. Bonds break and form to create entirely new compounds.
What is a monomer?

A small molecule that can bond to form a polymer. Building blocks that link together like chain links.
Which change indicates a chemical reaction rather than a physical change?

Formation of a new substance with different properties. Chemical changes create new substances; physical changes don't.
What is the definition of a natural resource used to make synthetic materials?

A naturally occurring material used as a raw starting substance. Unprocessed materials from nature that serve as chemical feedstock.
What is a natural resource in the context of making synthetic materials?

A naturally occurring raw material used as a starting chemical feedstock. Serves as the starting point for chemical transformations into synthetics.
Identify the natural resource most commonly used as the starting material for many plastics.

Petroleum (crude oil). Contains hydrocarbons that serve as raw materials for plastics.
What is a catalyst in making synthetic materials?

A substance that speeds a reaction without being consumed. Lowers activation energy to make reactions occur faster.
Which option best describes how chemical reactions transform resources into synthetics: physical mixing or new substances forming?

New substances forming. Chemical bonds rearrange, creating different compounds.
What is a reactant?

A starting substance that is changed in a chemical reaction. Present before the reaction begins.
Which monomer is used to make polyvinyl chloride (PVC)?

Vinyl chloride. Contains chlorine atom that gives PVC its unique properties.
Which option describes why plastics can have different properties: different polymer structures or same structure always?

Different polymer structures. Chain length, branching, and cross-linking affect properties.
Which change indicates a chemical reaction during material production: change in shape or formation of a new substance?

Formation of a new substance. New substances have different chemical compositions.
What is a natural resource in materials science?

A naturally occurring substance used as a raw material. Found in nature and serves as starting material for synthesis.
Which monomer is polymerized to make polyethylene plastic?

Ethene (ethylene). C₂H₄ monomers link to form the common plastic polyethylene.
Which option best describes a common pathway from natural resource to plastic?

Petroleum → refining → small molecules → polymerization → plastic. Shows complete transformation from oil to finished plastic product.
Which option best describes why synthetic materials can have new properties?

New molecular structures produce different macroscopic properties. Arrangement of atoms determines material properties.
What is a monomer?

A small molecule that can chemically bond to form a polymer. Contains reactive sites that allow bonding to identical units.
What happens to atoms during a chemical reaction that makes a synthetic material?

Atoms are rearranged as bonds break and new bonds form. Chemical reactions reorganize atomic connections without losing atoms.
What is a polymer, in terms of structure and how it is formed?

A long chain molecule made by joining many repeating monomer units. Like beads on a string, monomers connect in repeating patterns.
Which option best describes how additives change synthetic materials: change composition or only shape?

They change composition to modify properties such as flexibility or strength. Chemical additives alter material properties at molecular level.
Identify the correct sequence for making plastic from crude oil, from start to finish.

Distillation → cracking → monomers → polymerization → plastic product. Each step transforms molecules closer to final plastic product.
What is a feedstock in manufacturing synthetic materials?

A raw material input (often oil, gas, or plants) used to make products. The starting material that gets chemically transformed into products.
Which process best describes turning plant sugars into ethanol for fuels or chemicals?

Fermentation. Microorganisms convert sugars to alcohol through biochemical reactions.
Which term means a small molecule that can join to form a plastic: monomer or polymer?

Monomer. These small building blocks link together to form long polymer chains.
What is a catalyst in a chemical process that makes synthetic materials?

A substance that speeds a reaction without being consumed. Lowers activation energy, making reactions faster and more efficient.
What is a catalyst in industrial chemical production?

A substance that speeds reactions without being used up. Lowers activation energy to make reactions faster.
Identify the process that converts natural gas into ammonia for fertilizers: Haber process or distillation?

Haber process. Combines $N_2$ and $H_2$ at high pressure to produce $NH_3$ .
What does conservation of mass mean for turning natural resources into synthetic materials?

Total mass of reactants equals total mass of products. Atoms rearrange but total mass remains constant in reactions.
Which process makes plastics from petroleum by linking small molecules into long chains?

Polymerization. Petroleum monomers chemically bond to form plastic polymers.
What is a polymer?

A large molecule made of many repeating units called monomers. Long chains formed by linking many identical smaller units together.
What process commonly turns petroleum fractions into smaller molecules for plastics?

Cracking. Breaks large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more useful ones.
What is a byproduct in manufacturing synthetic materials?

A secondary product formed along with the desired product. Often requires additional processing or disposal considerations.
What is the main purpose of adding plasticizers to some polymers?

To increase flexibility by reducing attraction between polymer chains. Small molecules fit between chains, allowing easier movement.
Which statement best describes how properties change when making a synthetic polymer?

New bonding and structure create new properties unlike the feedstock. Different molecular structure gives different physical/chemical properties.
What is vulcanization of rubber?

Cross-linking rubber chains (often with sulfur) to improve strength and elasticity. Sulfur forms bridges between rubber chains, improving durability.
Which process converts crude oil into smaller useful molecules used to make plastics?

Cracking. Breaks large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more useful ones.
What is a catalyst in industrial chemical production?

A substance that speeds a reaction without being consumed. Lowers activation energy, making reactions faster and cheaper.
What is cracking in petroleum processing?

Breaking large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, useful molecules. Heat or catalysts break long chains into shorter, more useful ones.
What is a feedstock in synthetic material production?

A starting raw material used to make chemicals and polymers. These materials undergo chemical processing to become products.
Which natural resource is the main starting material for many common plastics?

Crude oil (petroleum). Contains hydrocarbons that become monomers for plastic production.
What is the key difference between thermoplastics and thermosets?

Thermoplastics remelt; thermosets do not remelt after curing. Heating behavior differs due to crosslinking in thermosets.
What is a chemical process (in manufacturing)?

A process that changes substances by breaking and forming bonds. Rearranges atoms to create new substances with different properties.
Which option is an example of transforming a natural resource into a synthetic material: making nylon from petroleum or carving wood?

Making nylon from petroleum. Chemical processes create new material; carving is physical change.
What is vulcanization used for when making rubber materials?

Adding sulfur cross-links to make rubber stronger and more elastic. Sulfur forms bridges between polymer chains for durability.
Which step comes first in making many plastics from crude oil: cracking or polymerization?

Cracking. Must break down oil molecules before building polymers.
Which monomer is polymerized to make PVC (polyvinyl chloride)?

Vinyl chloride. C₂H₃Cl monomers polymerize to create rigid PVC plastic.
What is a chemical process?

A process that changes substances by breaking and forming chemical bonds. Rearranges atoms to create new substances with different properties.
What is the main difference between a chemical change and a physical change?

Chemical change forms new substances; physical change does not. Chemical changes rearrange atoms; physical changes don't alter composition.
What is polymerization?

A reaction that links monomers to form a polymer. Chemical bonds form between monomers creating long chains.
Which polymer type typically hardens permanently after curing due to cross-links?

Thermoset. Cross-linked structure prevents remelting once formed.
What is a polymer?

A large molecule made of repeating monomer units. Long chains formed when monomers bond repeatedly.
Which type of chemical bonding change best explains turning monomers into a polymer?

New covalent bonds form between monomers. Polymerization creates new bonds linking monomers.
Which monomer is used to make polystyrene?

Styrene. Benzene ring-containing monomer that forms foam plastics.
What is a natural resource in materials science?

A raw material from nature used to make products. Found in nature and processed to create useful materials.
What is the key difference between thermoplastics and thermosets?

Thermoplastics soften when heated; thermosets do not remelt after curing. Cross-linking in thermosets creates permanent, non-reversible bonds.
What is polymerization?

A reaction that links monomers together to form a polymer. Chemical process joining many small units into one large molecule.
What is the main role of refining before making many synthetic materials?

To purify and separate feedstocks into usable chemical starting materials. Removes impurities and isolates specific chemicals for synthesis.
What is distillation used for when processing crude oil?

Separating mixtures into fractions by different boiling points. Components vaporize at different temperatures, allowing separation.
What is the key idea of conservation of mass in chemical manufacturing?

Atoms are rearranged, not created or destroyed. Total mass before equals total mass after any chemical reaction.
Which small molecule is the monomer used to make polyethylene?

Ethene (ethylene). C₂H₄ molecule that polymerizes to form common plastic.
Choose the correct statement: catalysts increase reaction rate or are used up as reactants?

Catalysts increase reaction rate. They remain unchanged after the reaction completes.
What does it mean that a chemical process transforms a resource?

It changes the substance into new substances with new properties. Chemical bonds break and reform, creating different molecules.
Which term describes a substance present at the start of a chemical reaction?

Reactant. Starting materials that undergo chemical change during reactions.
What is the main purpose of fractional distillation when processing crude oil?

To separate crude oil into fractions by different boiling points. Components vaporize at different temperatures, allowing separation.
Which term means a long chain made from repeating units: monomer or polymer?

Polymer. Many monomers join together to create these large molecules.
Which process breaks large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones useful for plastics?

Cracking. Heat breaks C-C bonds in long chains to make shorter, useful molecules.
Identify the synthetic material made by polymerizing ethene (ethylene).

Polyethylene. Ethylene monomers link together forming this common plastic.
What is the main natural resource used to make most modern synthetic plastics?

Petroleum (crude oil) and natural gas. Contains hydrocarbons that serve as polymer building blocks.
What is vulcanization (used to make stronger rubber)?

Cross-linking rubber polymers using sulfur. Sulfur atoms bridge rubber chains, making tires durable and elastic.
Which polymer type softens when heated and can be remolded: thermoplastic or thermoset?

Thermoplastic. Weak intermolecular forces allow reshaping with heat.
Which term names the starting chemicals used to build synthetic materials in industry?

Chemical feedstocks. Raw materials for chemical manufacturing processes.
What term describes a reaction that releases energy as heat during manufacturing?

Exothermic reaction. Energy is released to surroundings, often requiring cooling.
Which term names the starting substances that enter a chemical reaction to make synthetics?

Reactants. Starting materials undergo chemical change during the reaction.
What is cracking in petroleum processing?

Breaking large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones. Heat breaks long chains into shorter, more useful ones.
What is polymerization in the production of synthetic materials such as plastics?

A chemical reaction that links monomers together to form polymers. Monomers chemically bond to create long-chain molecules.
What is a polymer?

A large molecule made of many repeating monomer units. Like a chain made from many identical links.
What is a polymer?

A large molecule made of many repeating subunits called monomers. Forms when monomers link through chemical bonds repeatedly.
Which option describes a chemical transformation of a resource into a synthetic: melting polyethylene, or making polyethylene from ethene?

Making polyethylene from ethene. Polymerization creates new bonds; melting only changes physical state.
What is the definition of a synthetic material in physical science?

A human-made material produced by chemical processing of resources. Created through chemical reactions that change molecular structure.
What is the key chemical change when ethene becomes polyethylene?

C=C double bonds open and form C–C single bonds in a chain. Double bonds break to allow carbon atoms to link in chains.
What is the main difference between a physical change and a chemical change?

Chemical change forms new substances; physical change does not. Chemical changes break/form bonds; physical changes don't.
What is a natural resource in materials science?

A substance from Earth used as a starting material for products. Raw materials from nature that undergo processing to create products.
Which natural resource is the most common source of monomers for many plastics?

Petroleum (crude oil). Contains hydrocarbons that can be processed into plastic monomers.
Identify the correct sequence for making a plastic from petroleum feedstock.

Extract crude oil → refine → make monomers → polymerize → shape product. Each step chemically transforms materials toward final product.
What is distillation used for when processing crude oil into chemical feedstocks?

Separating mixtures by different boiling points into fractions. Components vaporize at different temperatures, allowing separation.
What is a synthetic material, in terms of how it is produced from natural resources?

A human-made material produced by chemical processing of natural resources. Chemical reactions transform raw materials into new substances.
Identify the correct transformation chain for making many plastics: crude oil → refining → cracking → monomers → what?

Polymerization into polymers (plastics). Monomers join through polymerization to create plastic materials.
Which small molecule is commonly polymerized to make polyethylene (PE)?

Ethene (ethylene). C₂H₄ monomer with a double bond for polymerization.
What is cracking in petroleum processing?

Breaking large hydrocarbon molecules into smaller, more useful molecules. Heat and catalysts break C-C bonds in long hydrocarbons.
Which statement best distinguishes a polymer from a monomer?

A polymer is a long chain; a monomer is a single building-block molecule. Polymers contain many monomers linked together.
Which option is a common fossil-fuel feedstock for plastics: crude oil or granite?

Crude oil. Petroleum contains hydrocarbons needed for plastic production.
What is cross-linking in polymers, and what does it usually do to the material?

Bonds between chains; usually increases strength and stiffness. Creates 3D network structure by connecting polymer chains.
What is cross-linking in polymers?

Forming bonds between polymer chains to make a stronger network. Creates 3D networks that increase strength and rigidity.
What is a chemical process (in manufacturing materials)?

A process that changes substances by breaking and forming chemical bonds. Rearranges atoms to create new substances with different properties.
Identify the best description of how synthetic materials are made from resources.

Extract feedstock, convert to monomers, then chemically form new materials. Describes the chemical transformation from raw materials to products.
What is polymerization?

A chemical reaction that links monomers together to form polymers. Creates long chains through repeated monomer bonding.
What term describes small molecules that can chemically link to form plastics?

Monomers. These small units bond together to form long polymer chains.
Which fossil-fuel-based natural resource is the most common feedstock for many plastics?

Petroleum (crude oil). Contains hydrocarbons that serve as building blocks for plastics.
Which type of change forms new substances: physical change or chemical change?

Chemical change. Physical changes only alter form; chemical changes create new substances.
What is fermentation used for in producing synthetic or industrial materials?

Using microbes to convert sugars into useful chemicals. Microorganisms produce chemicals from renewable feedstocks.
What is a chemical process, as used to transform a natural resource into a new material?

A reaction or series of reactions that changes substances into new ones. Rearranges atoms to create products with different properties.
What is a polymer?

A large molecule made of many repeating monomer units. Formed when monomers chemically bond in a chain reaction.
What is cross-linking in polymers?

Forming bonds between polymer chains to change material properties. Creates bridges between chains to strengthen the material.
What does the term feedstock mean in industrial chemistry?

A raw material input used to make other chemicals or materials. Starting chemicals that undergo processing to make products.
Which chemical process separates crude oil into useful groups before making many synthetic materials?

Fractional distillation (refining into fractions). Separates oil by boiling points to isolate specific compounds.
Identify the correct statement about atoms during a chemical process making a synthetic material.

Atoms are rearranged; they are not created or destroyed. Follows conservation of mass - atoms reorganize only.
Identify the step that must happen for a natural resource to become a synthetic material: separation, reaction, or freezing?

reaction. Chemical reactions transform raw materials into new substances.
What is fermentation used for when making materials or chemicals from biomass?

Using microbes to convert sugars into new chemicals (for example, ethanol). Microorganisms chemically transform sugars through metabolism.
Identify the correct cause-and-effect: How can changing processing conditions affect a synthetic material?

Different conditions can change polymer structure and properties. Temperature, pressure, and catalysts affect final material characteristics.
What is a product in a chemical reaction?

A new substance formed by a chemical reaction. Created after reactants undergo chemical change.
Which option is a common petroleum-based feedstock for plastics: ethene or granite?

Ethene. This petroleum-derived molecule polymerizes to form polyethylene.
What is a catalyst in a chemical process?

A substance that speeds a reaction without being consumed. Lowers activation energy, making reactions occur faster.
What is vulcanization in the production of synthetic rubber materials?

Adding sulfur to form cross-links that strengthen rubber. Sulfur creates bridges between polymer chains for durability.
What is the main purpose of refining crude oil before making synthetic materials?

To separate it into fractions used as chemical feedstocks. Different fractions provide specific starting materials.
Which term describes a small unit that can join to form a polymer: monomer or mixture?

Monomer. Monomers are single units; mixtures are physical combinations.
What is the key idea of addition polymerization?

Monomers add together without forming a second product. Double bonds open to link monomers directly.
What is cracking in petroleum processing for synthetic materials?

Breaking large hydrocarbons into smaller molecules like ethene. Heat breaks carbon-carbon bonds to produce smaller molecules.
Which small molecules from petroleum are common building blocks for polymers?

Alkenes such as ethene and propene. Double bonds make them reactive for polymerization.
What is a monomer?

A small molecule that bonds with others to form a polymer. Building blocks that chemically link to create long polymer chains.
Which type of change forms new substances: physical change or chemical change?

Chemical change. New substances form when atoms rearrange into different molecules.
What term describes a reaction that absorbs energy and often needs heating?

Endothermic reaction. Energy input is required to break bonds and form products.
Which natural resource is the main feedstock for many plastics and synthetic fibers?

Petroleum (crude oil). Contains hydrocarbons that become plastic building blocks.
What is a monomer?

A small molecule that can bond to form a polymer chain. Building blocks that link together during polymerization.
Which term means substances you start with in a chemical process: reactants or products?

Reactants. Starting materials undergo chemical change to form products.
What is the main difference between a chemical change and a physical change?

Chemical change forms new substances; physical change does not. Chemical changes rearrange atoms; physical changes don't.
Which process primarily turns crude oil fractions into smaller alkenes for plastics?

Cracking. Produces ethylene and other small alkenes needed for polymers.
What does the term byproduct mean in an industrial chemical process?

A secondary product formed along with the desired main product. Often requires separation from the desired product.
What is distillation used for when processing crude oil into chemical feedstocks?

Separating mixtures by different boiling points into fractions. Components vaporize at different temperatures, allowing separation.
Which statement describes a catalyst correctly: consumed or not consumed overall?

Not consumed overall. Catalysts facilitate reactions but regenerate unchanged.
Which small molecule made from petroleum is commonly polymerized to form polyethylene?

Ethene (ethylene). Contains $C=C$ double bonds that open during polymerization.
What is a polymer?

A large molecule made of many repeating subunits (monomers). Long chains formed by linking identical smaller units together.

Study these flashcards