21st Century Chemistry

Multiple Choice Question in Topic 8

Plastics and Detergents
Unit 30
1

Which of the following substances is NOT a polymer?

A
Sucrose
B
Protein
C
Rubber
D
Cellulose

Which of the following is a synthetic polymer?

A
Starch
B
Silk
C
Perspex
D
Cotton

Which of the following are the advantages of plastics over metals?

(1) Plastics are lighter.
(2) Plastics are usually cheaper.
(3) Plastics are inert to both acids and alkalis.
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

Which of the following is/are the reasons of using plastics?

(1) They are transparent.
(2) They are cheap.
(3) They can be moulded into different shapes.
A
(1) only
B
(2) only
C
(1) and (3) only
D
(2) and (3) only

Which of the following about thermoplastics is INCORRECT?

A
Polystyrene is a thermoplastic.
B
They may be addition or condensation polymers.
C
They can be softened on heating.
D
They can only be moulded once.

Which of the following comparisons between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics is

correct?
A
Thermoplastics have higher densities than thermosetting plastics.
B
Thermoplastics are usually less flexible than thermosetting plastics.
C
Thermoplastics are more flammable than thermosetting plastics.
D
Thermoplastics are less stable than thermosetting plastics.

Which of the following plastics is best for making shower curtains?

A
A thermosetting plastic with poor transparency and flexibility
B
A thermoplastic with good flexibility and medium transparency
C
A thermoplastic with poor flexibility and good transparency
D
A thermoplastic with poor transparency and flexibility

Polyvinyl chloride is classified as a thermoplastic because

A
It can be remoulded for many times.
B
It is a non-conductor of electricity and heat.
C
It is not a condensation polymer.
D
Disposal of polyvinyl chloride leads to air pollution problems.

Perspex is classified as a thermoplastic because

A
all the bonds in it are single bonds.
B
it can be melted and remoulded for many times.
C
it is made up of one type of monomer.
D
it is not a condensation polymer.

10

Which of the following plastics is most difficult to burn?

A
Nylon
B
Polystyrene
C
Polyvinyl chloride
D
Urea-methanal

11

Which of the following statements about plastics is correct?

A
There are no cross-links between polymer chains in thermosetting plastics.
B
Thermoplastics are biodegradable.
C
Polyester is a thermoplastic that is usually used to make shirts.
D
Compression moulding is usually used to mould thermoplastics.

12

Thermoplastics differ from thermosetting plastics in the way that thermoplastics are
A
biodegradable.
B
decomposed under sunlight.
C
resoftened on heating.
D
formed by addition polymerization.

13

Thermosetting plastics cannot be softened on heating because of the presence of

A
cross-links within polymer chains.
B
intermolecular forces between polymer chains.
C
covalent bonds between polymer chains.
D
inert gases between polymer chains.

14

Ash
A
B
C
D

15

Which of the following is/are (a) thermosetting plastic(s)?

(1) PVC
(2) Urea-methanal
(3) Nylon
A
(1) only
B
(2) only
C
(1) and (3) only
D
(2) and (3) only

trays can be made of

polythene.
polystyrene.
polyvinyl chloride.
urea-methanal.

16

Which of the following are thermoplastics?

(1) Polyester
(2) Nylon
(3) Perspex
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

17

Which of the following polymers is/are suitable for making a container to hold hot water?
(1) Polythene
(2) Polypropene
(3) Polystyrene
A
(1) only
B
(3) only
C
(1) and (2) only
D
(2) and (3) only

18

Thermoplastics can be moulded more efficiently and economically than thermosetting plastics
because
(1) thermosetting plastics cannot be moulded continuously.
(2) thermoplastics can be moulded continuously.
(3) the raw materials of thermosetting plastics are more expensive.
A
(1) only
B
(3) only
C
(1) and (2) only
D
(2) and (3) only

19

Which of the following comparisons between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics are
correct?
Thermoplastics
Thermosetting plastics
(1) Flammable
Non-flammable
(2) More flexible
Less flexible
(3) Mainly shaped by compression moulding
Mainly shaped by injection moulding
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

20

Which of the following plastics can be moulded by injection moulding?

(1) Polypropene
(2) Polyvinyl chloride
(3) Urea-methanal
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

21

Cross-links in plastics
(1) are strong covalent bonds between polymer chains.
(2) explain why thermosetting plastics are non-biodegradable.
(3) explain why thermosetting plastics cannot be softened or melted once set hard.
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

22

Which of the following about thermosetting plastics are correct?

(1) They are crossly linked polymers.
(2) They are non-biodegradable.
(3) They cannot be burnt.
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

23

Which of the following items is/are made of thermoplastics?

(1) Hair blowers
(2) Wallpapers
(3) Advertising displays
A
(1) only
B
(3) only
C
(1) and (2) only
D
(2) and (3) only

24

Which of the following is the most important raw material for the production of plastics?
A
Coal
B
Petroleum
C
Natural gas
D
Cellulose

25

Which of the following statements about plastics is INCORRECT?

A
They are usually light.
B
They are derived from petroleum.
C
They are man-made polymers.
D
They are good conductors of electricity in molten state.

26

Which of the following statements is correct?

A
All polymers are plastics.
B
All thermoplastics are addition polymers.
C
A polymer and its monomer have similar chemical properties.
D
PVC is a chlorine-containing compound.

27

Which of the following statements about addition polymers is correct?

A
They are soluble in water.
B
They have the same general formula.
C
They are formed from monomers with unsaturated C-C bonds.
D
They are strong and rigid.

28

Which of the following about addition polymers is INCORRECT?

A
Addition polymers are chemically unreactive.
B
The addition polymerization usually takes place at room temperature and pressure.
C
The monomers of addition polymers are usually unsaturated.
D
Addition polymers are covalent compounds.

29

The
A
B
C
D

30

Foam lunch boxes are mainly made of

A
polythene.
B
polystyrene.
C
polyvinyl chloride.
D
urea-methanal.

31

Safety goggles is usually made of

A
polythene.
B
perspex.
C
polyvinyl chloride.
D
urea-methanal.

32

Which of the following hydrocarbons can undergo addition polymerization?

A
C2H6
B
C3H6
C
C3H8
D
C6H6

33

Polyvinyl chloride is
A
an addition polymer and a thermoplastic.
B
an addition polymer and a thermosetting plastic.
C
a condensation polymer and a thermoplastic.
D
a condensation polymer and a thermosetting plastic.

34

Which of the following statements about polyvinyl chloride is INCORRECT?

A
PVC is stiff.
B
PVC is softened on heating.
C
PVC can be used in making water pipes.
D
The monomer of PVC is CHCl=CHCl.

35

Which of the following statements about perspex is INCORRECT?

A
It is an addition polymer.
B
It burns with a fruity smell.
C
It is transparent but less easily broken than glass.
D
It can decolourize bromine water.

36

Which of the following statements concerning polystyrene is INCORRECT?

A
It is a hydrocarbon.
B
It is toxic.
C
It is an addition polymer.
D
It is transparent and hard.

process of joining many small molecules together to give a large molecule is known as
substitution.
condensation.
hydrolysis.
polymerization.

37

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of using polythene to replace paper in making bags?
A
Polythene is water resistant.
B
Polythene can be recycled easily.
C
Polythene is durable.
D
Polythene is not easily attacked by acid or alkali.

38

Which of the following matches

Plastic
A
Polyvinyl chloride
B
Polyester
C
Polystyrene
D
Polythene

is INCORRECT?
Uses
Ash tray
Cloth
Lunch box
Wrapping film

39

Which of the following matches

Polymer
A
Polyvinyl chloride
B
Perspex
C
Urea-methanal
D
Polythene

is INCORRECT?
Uses
Rain coat
Aircraft window
Electrical switch
Advertising display

40

The following is part of a polymer:

H

CH3 H

CH3 H

CH3

CH3 H

CH3 H

CH3

What is the repeating unit of the polymer?

A
B

CH3

CH3

CH3

CH3

CH3 CH3

H
C
C

41

The following is part of a polymer:

CH3 CH3 CH3 CH3 CH3

H
H
H
H
H
What is the monomer of the polymer?
A

CH3 CH3
C

C2 H 5
C

CH3

CH3

H 3C

The following structure represents part of a polymer.

H

Cl

Cl

Cl

Cl

Cl

Cl

Its monomer is
A
1,1-dichloroethane.
B
1,1-dichloroethene.
C
1,2-dichloroethene.
D
2,2-dichloroethene.
43

H
42

A polymer has the following structure:

C2H5 H
C2H5
C2H5 H
H
C

H
H
Its monomer is
A
propene.
B
but-1-ene.
C
but-2-ene.
D.
butane.

C
CH3

44

The structure of polypropene can be represented as

A
B

CH3

CH3

45

CH3

CH3 H

Which of the following represents the structure of polystyrene?

A
B

C6H5

C6H5

C6H5

C6H5

46

Which of the following combinations represents perspex and its monomer?

Perspex
Monomer
A
H

CH3

COOCH3

COOCH3

CH3

CH3

COOCH3

COOCH3

CH3

CH3 COOCH3

CH3 COOCH3

D
H

CH3 COOCH3

47

CH3 COOCH3

Which of the following combinations is correct?

48

Consider the structure of a polymer below.

(X represents an atom or a group of atoms.)

Which of the following combinations is INCORRECT?
X
Name of polymer
A
CH3
Polypropene
B
Cl
Polyvinyl chloride
C
COOH
Perspex
D
C6H5
Polystyrene
49
H

where
represents an atom or a groups of atoms
Which of the following plastics has the structure as shown above?
A
Polyester
B
Perspex
C
Urea-methanal
D
Polyvinyl chloride
50

The following is part of a polymer.

(Y represents an atom or a group of atoms.)

Which of the following combinations is correct?
Y
The polymer is
A
H
a thermosetting plastic.
B
Cl
biodegradable.
C
C6H5
an addition polymer.
hard and tough.
D
CH3
51

The structure of a polymer is shown below:

C2H5 H
C2H5
C2H5 H
H
C

H
H
H
H
H
H
Which of the following statements about the polymer is INCORRECT?
A
Its monomer is CH2=CHC2H5.
B
Its monomer can turn acidified potassium dichromate solution from orange to green.
C
It is an addition polymer.
D
It can be softened on heating.

52

The structure of polystyrene is shown below:

C6H5

Calculate the molecular mass of a polymer chain of polystyrene if it is made up of 7 000 repeating
units.
(Relative atomic masses: H=1.0; C=12.0)
A
520 000
B
455 000
C
546 000
D
728 000
53

The equation below shows the depolymerization of PVC.

n C

Cl

Cl

How many monomers can be obtained if a sample of 453 kg PVC undergoes complete
depolymerization?
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0; C = 12.0; Cl = 35.5)
A
7 023 mol
B
7 248 mol
C
7 487 mol
D
7 531 mol
54

Polymer X becomes soft if it is put into a beaker of hot water. When it is heated, an acidic smell is
detected. What might X be?
A
Polyvinyl chloride
B
Perspex
C
Nylon
D
Urea-methanal

55

Which of the following combinations is INCORRECT?

Propene
Polypropene
A
Reactive
Unreactive
B
Insoluble in water
Insoluble in water
C
Burns completely to give CO2
Burns completely to give
CO2 and H2O
and H2O
D
Decolourizes acidified potassium
Decolourizes acidified
permanganate solution
potassium permanganate solution

56

The following flow diagram shows how polypropene can be made from petroleum.
petroleum

Process (1)

fuel oil

Process (2)

What are processes (1), (2) and (3)?

(1)
(2)
A
Fractional distillation
Cracking
B
Fractional distillation
Cracking
C
Cracking
Dehydration
D
Cracking
Dehydration

propene

Process (3)

polypropene

(3)
Condensation polymerization
Addition polymerization
Condensation polymerization
Addition polymerization

Directions: Questions 57-59 refer to the diagram below which shows how crude oil is turned into a
plastic bag. Substance A can decolorize both bromine water and acidified potassium permanganate
solution.

57

Which of the following combinations

Process I
A
Fractional distillation
B
Fractional distillation
C
Cracking
D
Distillation

is correct?
Process II
Condensation
Cracking
Addition polymerization
Crystallization

58

Substance B is
A
ethene.
B
polythene.
C
PVC.
D
polystyrene.

59

Process IV is
A
moulding.
B
addition polymerization.
C
condensation polymerization.
D
depolymerization.

60

Which of the following compounds is most likely to undergo addition polymerization?

A
B
H

Cl

Cl

H
C
H

CN

O
C
OH

61

Polythene is mainly used to make

(1) wrapping films for food.
(2) illuminated advertising sign boxes.
(3) plastic bags.
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

62

Polyvinyl chloride is commonly used to make

(1) drainage pipes.
(2) coverings of seats for taxis.
(3) packaging materials of delicate articles.
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

63

Which of the following statements about polystyrene are correct?

(1) It can be remoulded for many times.
(2) It can be used to make milk bottles.
(3) It is derived from crude oil.
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

64

Which of the following compounds is/are likely to undergo addition polymerization?

(1) HO(CH2) 2OH
(2) CH2=CHCH3
(3)
A
B
C
D

O
CH3

(1)
(2)
(1)
(2)

OH

only
only
and (3) only
and (3) only

65

Polypropene is
(1) an addition polymer.
(2) a thermoplastic.
(3) made up from propene.
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

66

Which of the following is/are NOT the advantage of using perspex to replace glass?
(1) Perspex is softer.
(2) Perspex has higher transparency.
(3) Perspex is less easy to break.
A
(1) only
B
(3) only
C
(1) and (2) only
D
(2) and (3) only

67

But-1-ene can undergo

(1) oxidation.
(2) polymerization.
(3) hydration.
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

68

Which of the following is both a thermoplastic and a condensation polymer?

A
Polystyrene
B
Polyester
C
Urea-methanal
D
Polyvinyl chloride

69

Which of the following statements about polyesters is INCORRECT?

A
They contain COO linkages in the polymers.
B
They are used to make clothing.
C
They are not softened on heating.
D
They are condensation polymers.

70

Which of the following statements about nylon is INCORRECT?

A
It is a thermoplastic.
B
It is widely used in manufacture of fabrics and textiles.
C
It contains linkage.
D
It is formed by condensation polymerization.

71

Which of the following about polyester is INCORRECT?

A
Its monomers are bifunctional.
B
During polymerization, small molecules are eliminated.
C
It burns to give acidic fumes.
D
It is a thermoplastic.

72

Which of the following statements about polymers is INCORRECT?

A
All monomers are unsaturated.
B
During condensation polymerization, small molecules, e.g. H2O, are eliminated.
C
Many natural polymers are condensation polymers.
D
Addition polymers are thermoplastics.

73

Urea-methanal is NOT suitable to be used to make

A
electrical switches.
B
milk bottles.
C
handles of kettles.
D
ash trays.

74

Both
A
B
C
D

polyester and urea-methanal

consist of cross-linked polymer chains.
are tough and smooth.
are condensation polymers.
are biodegradable.

Directions: Questions 75-77 refer to the following conversion.

75

What does process X represent?

A
Moulding
B
Hydration
C
Addition polymerization
D
Condensation polymerization

76

Substance Y is
A

n
C

D
O

77

Which of the following plastics might Y be?

A
Perspex
B
Urea-methanal
C
Polystyrene
D
Polyester

78

Which of the following statements concerning nylon is/are INCORRECT?

(1) It melts in hot water.
(2) It has a high tensile strength.
(3) It has cross-links between polymer chains.
A
(1) only
B
(2) only
C
(1) and (3) only
D
(2) and (3) only

79

Both
(1)
(2)
(3)
A
B
C
D

80

Which of the following statements concerning nylon and urea-methanal are correct?
(1) They are thermosetting plastics.
(2) They are condensation polymers.
(3) They are nitrogen-containing compounds.
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

nylon and polyvinyl chloride

are thermoplastics.
are formed by combination of two types of monomers.
give off toxic fumes when burnt.
(1) only
(2) only
(1) and (3) only
(2) and (3) only

81

Condensation polymerization differs from addition polymerization in that

(1) cross-links are formed.
(2) the monomers are unsaturated.
(3) it involves elimination of small molecules.
A
(2) only
B
(3) only
C
(1) and (2) only
D
(1) and (3) only

82

Which of the following pairs of substances can combine to give (a) condensation polymer(s)?
(1) CH2=CH2 and HOOC(C6H4)COOH
(2) ClOC(C6H4)COCl and HOCH2CH2OH
(3) H2N(CH2)4NH2 and CH3CH2COOH
A
(2) only
B
(3) only
C
(1) and (2) only
D
(1) and (3) only

83

Which of the following compounds would react with each other to form a condensation polymer?
O

(1)

(2)

(3)
(4)

H3C

HO

HO

OH

OH

OH
H

( , , and represent different hydrocarbon chains.)

A
(1) and (3) only
B
(1) and (4) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(2) and (4) only
O

84

The polymer formed between HO(CH2)2OH and

(1)
(2)
(3)
A
B
C
D

cannot be decomposed by bacteria readily.

cannot be softened by heating.
is a condensation polymer.
(1) and (2) only
(1) and (3) only
(2) and (3) only
(1), (2) and (3)

Cl

O
C6H4

Cl

85

Which of the following polymers is/are made by condensation polymerization?

H

COOCH3

(1)

CH3

(2)
CN H

(CH2)2 C

(3)
O

(CH2)2 O
n

A
B
C
D
86

(1)
(3)
(1)
(2)

only
only
and (2) only
and (3) only

Which of the following polymers are made by condensation polymerization?

(1)

(2)

(3)

H
O

O
C

O
n

A
B
C
D

(1) and (2) only

(1) and (3) only
(2) and (3) only
(1), (2) and (3)

87

Plastic wastes cause pollution problems because they

A
are inert towards bacteria.
B
give off carbon dioxide when burnt.
C
are derived from petroleum.
D
are difficult to be separated from other wastes.

88

Which of the following is NOT a problem associated with the use of plastics?
A
Burning plastics gives off toxic gases.
B
It may cause the death of marine lives.
C
The production process of plastics is uneconomical.
D
It leads to exhaustion of non-renewable energy resources.

89

Which of the following about recycling is INCORRECT?

A
The processes of recycling may be costly.
B
It can save petroleum.
C
It can reduce the amount of solid wastes.
D
It is applicable to both thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics.

90

Which of the following is NOT a problem caused by burying plastics?

A
There will be shortage of landfill sites.
B
Greenhouse effect becomes more serious.
C
Underground water is polluted.
D
Volume of solid wastes is increased.

91

Which of the following methods cannot reduce the pollution problems associated with the
disposal of plastic wastes?
A
Using other substitutes instead of plastics
B
Recycling of plastics
C
Burning plastics in incinerators with taller chimneys.
D
Using biodegradable plastics.

92

Which of the following pollutants would be evolved in burning of PVC?

(1) Carbon soot
(2) Hydrogen chloride
(3) Carbon monoxide
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

93

It is
(1)
(2)
(3)
A
B
C
D

94

Which of the following is/are the major problems associated with the use of plastics?
(1) Air pollution
(2) Depletion of petroleum resources
(3) Depletion of ozone layer
A
(1) only
B
(3) only
C
(1) and (2) only
D
(2) and (3) only

95

Incineration is not a good method of disposal of plastic wastes because this may lead to
(1) production of carbon monoxide.
(2) acid rain formation.
(3) solid wastes problems.
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

important to recycle plastics because

petroleum can be conserved.
it can reduce pollution problems.
it can arouse the publics awareness of conservation.
(1) and (2) only
(1) and (3) only
(2) and (3) only
(1), (2) and (3)

96

Which of the following are problems associated with recycling plastic wastes?
(1) It may be expensive.
(2) Thermosetting plastics cannot be recycled.
(3) It is difficult to separate plastics from other wastes.
A
(1) and (2) only
B
(1) and (3) only
C
(2) and (3) only
D
(1), (2) and (3)

97

The
(1)
(2)
(3)
A
B
C
D

disposal problems of plastics can be reduced by

recycling.
pyrolysis.
using substitutes to replace plastics.
(1) and (2) only
(1) and (3) only
(2) and (3) only
(1), (2) and (3)