Question

Match the polymers given in Column-I with their main applications given in Column-II. Column-I Column-II (A) Bakelite (P) Unbreakable crockery (B) Low density polythene (Q) Non-stick cookwares (C) Melamine-formaldehyde resin (R) Packaging material for shock absorbance (D) Nylon-6 (S) Electrical switches (E) Polytetrafluoroethane (T) Squeeze bottles (F) Polystyrene (U) Tyre, cords

Short answer

The matched polymers and their main applications are: (A) Bakelite - (S) Electrical switches (B) Low density polythene - (T) Squeeze bottles (C) Melamine-formaldehyde resin - (P) Unbreakable crockery (D) Nylon-6 - (U) Tyre cords (E) Polytetrafluoroethane - (Q) Non-stick cookwares (F) Polystyrene - (R) Packaging material for shock absorbance

Step-by-step solution

Identify the properties of polymers

First, we need to understand the properties of each polymer mentioned in Column-I. (A) Bakelite - Heat resistant, poor conductor of electricity (B) Low-density polythene - Flexible, lightweight (C) Melamine-formaldehyde resin - Unbreakable, heat resistant (D) Nylon-6 - High tensile strength, good elasticity (E) Polytetrafluoroethane - Non-stick, heat resistance (F) Polystyrene - Lightweight, good insulation properties (G) Tyre-cords - Not a polymer, this is an application

Identify the applications of polymers

Now that we know the properties of the polymers, we can identify their main applications mentioned in Column-II. (P) Unbreakable crockery - Requires a polymer that is unbreakable and heat resistant (Q) Non-stick cookwares - Requires a polymer with non-stick and heat resistant properties (R) Packaging material for shock absorbance - Requires a polymer that is lightweight, flexible, and has good insulation properties (S) Electrical switches - Requires a polymer that is heat resistant and a poor conductor of electricity (T) Squeeze bottles - Requires a lightweight and flexible polymer (U) Tyre cords - Requires a polymer with high tensile strength and good elasticity

Match polymers with their applications

Now, we will match the polymers with their respective applications based on their properties. (A) Bakelite - (S) Electrical switches: Bakelite is heat resistant and a poor conductor of electricity, making it suitable for electrical switches. (B) Low density polythene - (T) Squeeze bottles: Low-density polythene is lightweight and flexible, making it suitable for squeeze bottles. (C) Melamine-formaldehyde resin - (P) Unbreakable crockery: Melamine-formaldehyde resin is unbreakable and heat resistant, making it suitable for unbreakable crockery. (D) Nylon-6 - (U) Tyre cords: Nylon-6 has high tensile strength and good elasticity, making it suitable for tyre cords. (E) Polytetrafluoroethane - (Q) Non-stick cookwares: Polytetrafluoroethane is non-stick and heat resistant, making it suitable for non-stick cookwares. (F) Polystyrene - (R) Packaging material for shock absorbance: Polystyrene is lightweight, has good insulation properties and flexible, making it suitable for packaging material for shock absorbance.

Final Answer

The completed matching of polymers and their main applications are as follows: (A) Bakelite - (S) Electrical switches (B) Low density polythene - (T) Squeeze bottles (C) Melamine-formaldehyde resin - (P) Unbreakable crockery (D) Nylon-6 - (U) Tyre cords (E) Polytetrafluoroethane - (Q) Non-stick cookwares (F) Polystyrene - (R) Packaging material for shock absorbance

Key concepts

Polymer Properties

Understanding the fundamental properties of polymers is essential to grasp their diverse applications. Polymers, by definition, are large molecules composed of repeating structural units, and their properties are influenced by the nature of these units and the chemical bonds between them.

Properties such as heat resistance in Bakelite and non-stick characteristics of Polytetrafluoroethane are intrinsic to the polymer's molecular structure. For instance, Bakelite's phenol-formaldehyde components cross-link to form a rigid, three-dimensional network, thus exhibiting high heat resistance and electrical insulation properties. On the other hand, the strong carbon-fluorine bonds in Polytetrafluoroethane create a slippery surface, leading to its non-stick applications.

Other polymers like Nylon-6 showcase high tensile strength and good elasticity due to the strong intermolecular forces between the long chains, which is why it's suitable for making tyre cords. Factors that affect polymer properties include the size and spacing of monomer units, types of chemical bonds, crystallinity, and the presence of additives or plasticizers.

Polymer Uses

Polymers are incredibly versatile, finding uses in almost every aspect of modern life due to their varying properties. Electrical switches, for example, capitalize on the high heat resistance and insulating properties of Bakelite, ensuring safety and durability.

Low-density polythene's flexibility and lightweight nature make it an ideal material for products like squeeze bottles. Its ease of processing and moldability allows for mass production of containers that are cost-effective and safe for everyday use.

Household and Industrial Applications

Polystyrene's lightweight and excellent insulative properties make it an optimal choice for packaging materials that protect goods from shock during transport. Melamine-formaldehyde resin, which is both unbreakable and heat-resistant, is perfect for durable household items like unbreakable crockery.

Furthermore, the chemical resistance and non-stick quality of Polytetrafluoroethane mean it's the go-to material for non-stick cookwares, revolutionizing the culinary world. These examples only scratch the surface of polymer applications, which extend to fields like aerospace, biomedical devices, textiles, and beyond.

Organic Chemistry JEE

Organic chemistry is a pivotal subject in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) for aspiring engineering students in India. It encompasses the study of carbon-containing compounds, including polymers. A strong foundation in organic chemistry principles allows students to analyze the structure, properties, and reactions of polymers — knowledge that is crucial for the JEE and related applications.

For a better understanding of polymers in the context of JEE, students should focus on learning about the monomers involved in polymerization processes, the type of polymerization (addition or condensation), and the structural variations of polymers that influence their physical and chemical characteristics.

Connecting Theory and Practical Knowledge

Students are often tested on their ability to apply theoretical organic chemistry concepts to practical situations, similar to the exercise involving the matching of polymers with their applications. By mastering organic chemistry, students can effortlessly transition from theoretical knowledge to solving practical problems, such as those involving the innovative use of polymers in engineering and technology.