Which term describes a large molecule built from repeating units derived from monomers?

Which term describes a large molecule built from repeating units derived from monomers?

• A. Polymer
• B. Monomer
• C. Oligomer
• D. Homologous series

Answer: (A)

This question tests recognizing a large molecule built from repeating units derived from monomers. A polymer is exactly that: a very big molecule made by linking together many repeating units that come from monomers. When monomers join head-to-tail, they form a long chain or network, creating a substance with properties that depend on the size and arrangement of those repeating units. A monomer, by contrast, is just a single building block that could join with others to form polymers. An oligomer refers to a short chain of a few repeating units, not a truly large polymer. A homologous series describes a family of related compounds that differ by a repeating unit (like a CH2 group) but isn’t itself a single large molecule made from monomer units.

This question tests recognizing a large molecule built from repeating units derived from monomers. A polymer is exactly that: a very big molecule made by linking together many repeating units that come from monomers. When monomers join head-to-tail, they form a long chain or network, creating a substance with properties that depend on the size and arrangement of those repeating units.

A monomer, by contrast, is just a single building block that could join with others to form polymers. An oligomer refers to a short chain of a few repeating units, not a truly large polymer. A homologous series describes a family of related compounds that differ by a repeating unit (like a CH2 group) but isn’t itself a single large molecule made from monomer units.