Zaymiey

🧪 Chemistry  ·  Polymers  ·  NEET & JEE

Elastomers are polymers in which the polymer chains are held together by:

Answer: Weak forces and few cross-links.

  • A Strong hydrogen bonds
  • B Rigid covalent networks
  • C Weak forces and few cross-links
  • D Strong dipole-dipole forces

Correct answer: C. Weak forces and few cross-links

Explanation: In elastomers the chains are held by the weakest intermolecular forces, with only a few cross-links, so the coiled chains can stretch and then spring back.

Addition vs Condensation PolymerisationAddition (e.g. polythene)n (CH₂=CH₂)-[-CH₂-CH₂-]ₙ-No atoms lost - monomers just join at the double bondCondensation (e.g. Nylon-6,6)HOOC-R-COOH + H₂N-R'-NH₂-[-CO-R-CO-NH-R'-NH-]ₙ-+ n H₂OA small molecule (water here) is eliminated at EVERY linking step

Addition polymerisation simply links monomers containing a double bond with nothing left over, while condensation polymerisation joins two different monomers through a reaction (often forming an ester or amide bond) that releases a small molecule like water at each step.

Concept context

Large molecules made of repeating monomer units. Covers addition and condensation polymerisation, natural and synthetic polymers (nylon, PVC, Bakelite, natural rubber), and their real-world industrial applications.

Read the full Polymers notes →