Question

Which of the following are the advantages of plastic over metals?
1.Plastics are lighter.
2.Plastics are usually cheaper.
3.Plastics are inert to both acids and alkalis.
(1) and (2) only
(1) and (3) only
(2) and (3) only
(1), (2) and (3)

Answer 1

Hint: For industrial purposes, plastic provides handling and mobility benefits as compared to metals. They offer the same strength and rigidity along with quite lower weight which can be seen in the large sliding compartment doors in shipping containers.

Complete step by step answer:
Plastics are made from natural and organic materials by the process of polymerisation or polycondensation. This makes them flexible and easy to mould in any shape. So, this confirms that plastic is lighter than metals allowing it to be processed into complex forms.
In general, heavy materials have higher cost but plastics are usually cheaper because the raw materials from which it is made like polythene are waste products obtained from the petroleum industry.
Metals tend to react readily with acid and alkali. While plastic tends to resist the effect of acid-base due to absence of electronic exchange. This makes the plastic inert.

Hence, the correct option is (D).

Note:
 One of the most pivotal advantages of plastic over metal is they have higher tensile strength. But metal is also advantageous as it can resist hot and cold temperatures.