Question

Which of the polymers has the weakest intermolecular force of attraction?
A.Nylon- 6,6
B.Polyvinyl chloride
C.Cellulose
D.Natural Rubber

Answer 1

Hint: Polymers are classified into four categories :
1.Thermoplastic
2.Thermosetting
3.Fibres
4.Elastomer
Now the order of strength in these different types of polymers is :
Elastomers $ < $ Thermoplastic $ < $ Fibres $ < $ Thermosetting

Complete step by step answer:
We know that polymers are materials made of long, repeating chains of molecules. The materials have unique properties, depending on the type of molecules being bonded and how they are bonded.
If we talk about force of attraction like what is force of attraction then force of attraction is defined as:
-Force of attraction: It is defined as the force which binds the molecules together to form the polymers. Hydrogen bonding is the strongest of the intermolecular molecules. Polymers such as poly(vinyl alcohol) and polyamides are hydrogen bonded.
We can define all these four types of polymer as follows:
-Elastomers: These are the molecules which have the weak intermolecular forces.They are very elastic.
Examples are: Natural rubber, neoprene, Buna-S
-Thermoplastic: All the plastic material which can be softened and melted by heating but they set again when cool, are called thermoplastic polymers.
Examples are: Polyethylene, Polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride
-Thermosetting: They are generally a liquid at room temperature which hardens irreversibly on heating.
Examples are: Polyurethane , Bakelite
-Fibres: These are the polymers which have the strong intermolecular force between the chains.
Examples are: Polyvinyl chloride, phenol formaldehyde.
Now, by knowing these terms we can find the weakest intermolecular force of attraction in the given polymers.
Hence, natural rubber has the weakest force of attraction.
So the correct option is (D).

Note:
Polymers are materials made of long, repeating chains of molecules. The materials have unique properties, depending on the type of molecules being bonded and how they are bonded. Some polymers bend and stretch, like rubber and polyester. Others are hard and tough, like epoxies and glass.