Why is plastic known as polymer?

Plastic is known as a polymer because it is made up of long chains of repeating molecular units called monomers. The word "polymer" itself is derived from the Greek words "poly," meaning "many," and "meros," meaning "parts" or "units." Thus, a polymer is a substance composed of many repeating units.

Here’s a breakdown of why plastic is classified as a polymer:

1. Monomer Units:
Plastics are formed from basic building blocks called monomers. These monomers are small, simple molecules that can chemically bond to each other in a repeating pattern.
2. Polymerization Process:
The process by which monomers combine to form a polymer is known as polymerization. This can occur through different types of chemical reactions, such as addition polymerization (where monomers add to each other without losing any atoms) or condensation polymerization (where monomers combine and release small molecules like water as a byproduct).
3. Formation of Long Chains:
During polymerization, thousands or even millions of monomer units join together to form long chains or networks, which are the characteristic structure of polymers. These long chains give plastics their unique properties, such as flexibility, durability, and the ability to be molded into different shapes.
4. Variety of Structures:
Depending on the type of monomers and the conditions of polymerization, the resulting plastic can have different structures and properties. For example, polyethylene, a common plastic, is made by polymerizing ethylene monomers, while polystyrene is made from styrene monomers.
5. Properties of Polymers:
The repeating structure of polymers makes them versatile materials with a wide range of physical properties. Plastics can be engineered to be strong, flexible, lightweight, and resistant to chemicals and moisture.
Conclusion:
Plastics are known as polymers because they consist of long chains of repeating monomer units, which are connected through the process of polymerization. This structural characteristic is what gives plastics their distinctive properties and makes them useful in a wide variety of applications.