Assertion (A): Linear polymers are rigid at low temperatures but soft ...
Linear Polymers - Assertion and Reasoning
Assertion (A): Linear polymers are rigid at low temperatures but soft and mouldable at elevated temperatures.
Reason (R): Linear polymers are thermo-setting.
Explanation:
• Linear polymers are made up of long chains of repeating units called monomers.
• Linear polymers are flexible and rubbery at room temperature.
• When the temperature is increased, the kinetic energy of the polymer chains increases, and they start to move more freely and become soft and mouldable.
• At low temperatures, the polymer chains are held together by strong intermolecular forces, making the material rigid.
• Linear polymers are not thermo-setting, as they do not undergo irreversible chemical changes when heated.
• Thermo-setting polymers are those that undergo irreversible chemical changes when heated and become hard and rigid.
• Examples of thermo-setting polymers are Bakelite, melamine, and epoxy resins.
• Therefore, the assertion (A) is true, but the reason (R) is false.
• Hence, option (C) is the correct answer.
Conclusion:
• Linear polymers are flexible and rubbery at room temperature.
• They become soft and mouldable at elevated temperatures due to increased kinetic energy of the polymer chains.
• Linear polymers are not thermo-setting as they do not undergo irreversible chemical changes when heated.
Assertion (A): Linear polymers are rigid at low temperatures but soft ...
C