Question

which phrase describes a polymer? a. a branching structure containing 10 carbon atoms and 22 hydrogen atoms b. a crystal containing many sodium ions and many fluoride ions c. a long chain of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached to them d. a molecule containing six carbon atoms arranged in a ring structure e. a single atom of calcium bonded to two atoms of chlorine

Explanation:

• Option A: A branching structure with 10 C and 22 H is likely a small organic molecule, not a polymer (polymers have many repeating units).
• Option B: A crystal with Na⁺ and F⁻ is an ionic compound (like NaF), not a polymer.
• Option C: Polymers (e.g., polyethylene) are long chains of repeating units (carbon chains with H attached, repeating many times). This matches the definition of a polymer.
• Option D: A 6 - carbon ring (like benzene or cyclohexane) is a small cyclic molecule, not a polymer.
• Option E: Ca bonded to two Cl is CaCl₂, an ionic compound, not a polymer.

Answer:

C. a long chain of carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms attached to them