Chapter 3 Synthetic Fibres and Plastics Solutions
Question - 1 : - ┬аExplain why some fibres are called synthetic.
Answer - 1 : -
Some fibres are called as synthetic fibers because these are manmade fibers prepared by using chemicals. These are made of small units that join together to form long chains. Some of the examples of synthetic fibres are nylon, rayon, acrylic, polyester etc.
Question - 2 : - ┬аMark the correct answer.
Rayon is different from synthetic fibres because
(a) it has a silk-like appearance.
(b) it is obtained from wood pulp.
(c) its fibres can also be woven like those of natural fibres.
Answer - 2 : - (b) it is obtained from wood pulp.
Question - 3 : - ┬аFill in the blanks with appropriate words.
(a) Synthetic fibres are also called __________ or __________ fibres.
(b) Synthetic fibres are synthesised from raw material called __________.
(c) Like synthetic fibres, plastic is also a __________
Answer - 3 : -
(a) Synthetic fibres are also called artificial or manmade fibres.
(b) Synthetic fibres are synthesised from raw material called petrochemicals.
(c) Like synthetic fibres, plastic is also a polymer.
Question - 4 : - Give examples which indicate that nylon fibres are very strong.
Answer - 4 : -
Following are the examples that indicate nylon fibres are very strong
- Parachutes and ropes of rock climbing are made of nylon
- Nylon is used in making seat belts, fishing nets and tyre cords.
- Nylon is used in making sports accessories like rackets.
Question - 5 : - Explain why plastic containers are favored for storing food.
Answer - 5 : -
Because plastic is non-reactive and will not react with the ingredients of the food items.
Question - 6 : - Explain the difference between thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics.
Answer - 6 : -
The difference between the thermosetting plastics and thermoplastics are
| Thermosetting plastic | Thermoplastic |
| Cannot be bent, it will break if we attempt to bend thermo setting plastic | Thermoplastic can be bent easily |
| On heating thermosetting plastics, it cannot be softened. This is the reason it cannot be reshaped once it is molded. | On heating the thermoplastics, it becomes softened and can be molded and reshaped easily. |
Explain why the following are made of thermosetting plastics.
(a) Saucepan handles
(b) Electric plugs/switches/plug boards
Answer - 7 : -
a) Thermosetting plastics are used to make saucepan handles because they are bad conductors of heat and also on heating, these plastics do not get softened.
b) Bakelite is a kind of thermosetting plastic which is a bad conductor of heat and electricity. Because of this property it is used for making electric plugs, switches, plug boards, etc.
Question - 8 : - Rana wants to buy shirts for summer. Should he buy cotton shirts or shirts made from synthetic material? Advise Rana, giving your reason.
Answer - 8 : -
Rana should buy a cotton shirt for the summer and not a synthetic shirt. Cotton is a good absorber of water. So it can soak the sweat coming out of the body and expose it to the environment. Thus, it helps in evaporating the sweat and helps in cooling our body.
Question - 9 : - Give examples to show that plastics are noncorrosive in nature.
Answer - 9 : -
Plastics are non-corrosive in nature, they do not react even if they come in contact with strong chemicals. For example, the cleaning chemicals that we use at home are stored in plastic bottles, instead of metal containers.
Question - 10 : - Should the handle and bristles of a tooth brush be made of the same material? Explain your answer
Answer - 10 : -
The handle and bristle of a toothbrush should not be made of the same material as the handle of the toothbrush should be hard and strong while the bristle should be soft and flexible.