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Chapter 19: Problem 35

How are a nylon and polyethylene similar? How are they different?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Nylon and polyethylene are both synthetic polymers that are resistant to chemicals and can be molded into shapes. However, they differ in their structure and properties. Whereas nylon, a condensation polymer made from a diamine and a diacid, has a high melting point and is strong and flexible, polyethylene, an addition polymer made from ethylene, has a lower melting point, is lighter and is more suitable for packaging purposes due to its properties.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Nylon and Polyethylene

Firstly, understand what nylon and polyethylene are. They both are types of synthetic polymers, materials made up of a long chain of the same repeating molecules. Polyethylene is a type of polymer called 'addition polymer,' made from ethylene monomers, and is often used in plastic bags, containers, and other packaging. Nylon is a type of 'condensation polymer' made from repeating units of a diamine and a diacid. It is often used in textiles due to its strength and flexibility.
02

Identifying Similarities

Identify the similarities between nylon and polyethylene. Being synthetic polymers, they have shared characteristics: Both are resistant to chemicals, can be molded into shapes, and are widely used in several industries.
03

Identifying Differences

Identify the differences between nylon and polyethylene. Polyethylene is a simple polymer formed by repeating units of a single monomer, ethylene, whereas nylon is made from two different types of monomers, a diamine and a diacid. Due to this structural difference, nylon has a higher melting point and is more flexible and stronger than polyethylene which makes it suitable for use in clothing, ropes, etc. On the other hand, polyethylene is lighter, has a low melting point, and is more suitable for packaging purposes.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

a. Determine the percentage composition by weight of hexane, \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{14}\) b. Using the charts to the right as a model, make a pie chart for hexane using a protractor to draw the correct sizes of the pie slices. (Hint: A circle has \(360^{\circ} .\) To draw the correct angle for each slice, multiply each percentage by \(360^{\circ} . )\)

What type of reaction involves the replacement of a hydrogen atom by a halogen atom?

a. Why is diamond so hard and strong? b. Why is graphite so soft and easy to break apart?

Graphing Calculator Hydrocarbon formulas The graphing calculator can run a program that can tell you the formula of any straight-chain hydrocarbon, provided you indicate the number of carbons and the number of double bonds in the compound. Go to Appendix C. If you are using a TI-83 Plus, you can download the program HYDROCAR and run the application as directed. If you are using another calculator, your teacher will provide you with key-strokes and data sets to use. At the prompts, enter the number of carbon atoms and the number of double bonds in the molecule. Run the program as needed to answer the following questions. $$\begin{array}{l}{\text { a. Dodecane is an alkane with } 12 \text { carbons and }} \\ {\text { no double bonds. What is ts formula? }} \\ {\text { b. The name } 1,5 \text { -hexadiene describes a mole- }} \\ {\text { cule with six carbons (hexa-) and two double }} \\ {\text { bonds (-diene). What is its formula? }}\end{array}$$ $$\begin{array}{l}{\text { c. What is the formula for } 1,3,5 \text { -hexatriene? }} \\ {\text { d. What is the formula for } 3 \text { -nonene? }} \\ {\text { e. What is the formula for } 1,3,5,7 \text { -octatetraene? }} \\\ {\text { f. What is the formula for } 2,4,6 \text { -octatriene? }}\end{array}$$

Why are catalysts added to substitution reactions involving alkanes?
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