MC test: Environmental impact - plastics

Multiple choice test on A.7 Environmental impact - plastics

Use the following 'quiz' to test your knowledge and understanding of this sub-topic. As this relates to a sub-topic on the options you may need access to the IB data booklet.

If you get an answer wrong, read through the explanation carefully to learn from your mistakes.

Which substance is classified as a polychlorinated dibenzodioxin, PCDD?

PCDDs must contain two chlorinated phenyl groups forming part of a dioxin group (a six-membered heterocyclic ring containing two oxygen atoms).

 

Which may be formed when poly(chloroethene), also known as polyvinyl chloride, PVC is combusted in air at relatively low temperatures?

I. carbon monoxide

II. hydrogen chloride

III. dioxins

All three (hydrogen chloride, dioxins and incomplete products of hydrocarbon combustion such as carbon and carbon monoxide) may be formed. To be combusted safely with no toxic products a very high temperature is required.

 

Which best explains why polymers are not easily degraded?

Some condensation polymers, e.g. nylon, are degraded in the presence of a strong acid. Not all polymers are non-polar and many do not contain any delocalized electrons. All have strong covalent bonds between their constituent atoms so considerable energy is required to overcome the bond enthalpies.

 

How many different Resin Identification Codes (RICs) are there that distinguish between different types of plastic?

There are six RICs for specific types of plastic and one further code to cover "other" plastic types not already covered making a total of seven.

 

Which substance is classified as a polychlorobiphenyl, PCB?

BCPs contain two chlorinated phenyl groups bonded together by a single covalent bond.

 

Which are examples of phthalate esters?

I. 

II.

III.

 

Phthalate esters have the general formula . Structure II is phthalic acid so is a dicarboxylic acid, not a diester.

 

Two different forms of poly(ethene) are high density poly(ethene), HDPE and low density poly(ethene), LDPE. Which techniques or properties can be used to distinguish between them?

I. Infrared spectroscopy

II. Flexibility

III. Tensile strength

HDPE has little branching so it is stronger and more rigid (less flexible) than LDPE. Since both contain only C−C and C−H bonds their infrared spectra are virtually identical so cannot be used to distinguish between them.

 

Which polymer is classified as belonging to the seventh Resin Identification Code other, ?

 

Which is a concern about small children putting soft toys made of (or containing) plastic into their mouths and chewing on them?

 

Which properties are common to both polychlorinated dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls?

I. They do not readily decompose in the environment.

II. They can be transmitted along the food chain.

III. They cause cancer in animals and are probable human carcinogens.

Both persist for a long time in the environment and accumulate in the food chain by being absorbed by fatty tissue. They are both known to cause cancer in animals and are thought to be carcinogenic to humans. Both are hormone disrupting, leading to cellular and genetic damage in humans.

 

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