Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 21: Problem 22

Briefly explain why amorphous polymers are transparent, whereas predominantly crystalline polymers appear opaque or, at best, translucent.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The primary reason for the difference in transparency between amorphous and crystalline polymers is their molecular structure. Amorphous polymers have a disordered, random structure that allows light to pass through without disruption, making them transparent. In contrast, crystalline polymers have an ordered structure that scatters and absorbs incoming light, making them opaque or translucent.

Step by step solution

01

Define amorphous and crystalline polymers

Amorphous polymers are materials that have a disordered, random molecular structure, where the polymer chains are not aligned in any specific pattern. On the other hand, crystalline polymers have a more ordered structure, where the polymer chains are aligned in a regular, repeating pattern.
02

Describe light transmission in amorphous polymers

In amorphous polymers, the disordered arrangement of chains allows light to pass through the material without being scattered or absorbed by the molecules. Since the molecules are not arranged in any particular way, the light's path is not disrupted or significantly altered as it moves through the material. This results in most of the light being transmitted through the material, making it appear transparent.
03

Describe light transmission in crystalline polymers

For crystalline polymers, the ordered structure causes incoming light to be scattered by the repeating pattern of molecules. When light enters the material, it interacts with the ordered molecular arrangement and is deflected in multiple directions. This prevents light from passing straight through the material, causing it to be either absorbed or scattered, making the material appear opaque or translucent at best.
04

Conclusion

Amorphous polymers are transparent because of their random, disordered molecular structure, which allows light to pass through the material without being significantly disrupted. On the other hand, crystalline polymers appear opaque or translucent due to their ordered molecular arrangement, which scatters and absorbs incoming light.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Distinguish among materials that are opaque, translucent, and transparent in terms of their appearance and light transmittance.

(a) Briefly describe the phenomenon of electronic polarization by electromagnetic radiation. (b) What are two consequences of electronic polarization in transparent materials?

The transmissivity \(T\) of a transparent material \(15 \mathrm{~mm}\) thick to normally incident light is \(0.80\). If the index of refraction of this material is \(1.5\), compute the thickness of material that yields a transmissivity of \(0.70\). All reflection losses should be considered.

Briefly explain what determines the characteristic color of (a) a metal and (b) a transparent nonmetal.

Briefly explain how reflection losses of transparent materials are minimized by thin surface coatings.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Physics Textbooks

Fluids

Read Explanation

Electricity

Read Explanation

Wave Optics

Read Explanation

Magnetism and Electromagnetic Induction

Read Explanation

Solid State Physics

Read Explanation

Famous Physicists

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free