Learning Path
Question & Answer1
Understand Question2
Review Options3
Learn Explanation4
Explore TopicChoose the Best Answer
A
Tg indicates the temperature where a polymer becomes a good electrical conductor.
B
Tg determines the temperature range where a polymer exhibits rubbery behavior, affecting its flexibility and applications.
C
Tg is the temperature at which polymers lose all their molecular weight.
D
Tg signifies the point where polymers become insoluble in solvents.
Understanding the Answer
Let's break down why this is correct
Answer
The glass transition temperature tells us when a polymer changes from a hard, glassy state to a softer, rubbery state as it warms. Below Tg the polymer chains are frozen in place and the material behaves like a brittle solid; above Tg the chains can move more freely, making the polymer flexible and tacky. Knowing Tg lets engineers predict how a plastic will perform in different temperatures, such as whether it will crack in cold weather or become sticky in heat. For example, a plastic bottle made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has a Tg around 70 °C, so it stays rigid at room temperature but becomes pliable near 80 °C, which is why it can be molded into new shapes when heated. Thus, Tg is a key design parameter that links temperature to mechanical behavior.
Detailed Explanation
Tg is the temperature where a polymer switches from a hard, glassy state to a soft, rubbery state. Other options are incorrect because The idea that Tg means a polymer starts conducting electricity is a misunderstanding; The misconception that polymers lose weight at Tg is incorrect.
Key Concepts
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)
Polymer Properties
Thermal Behavior of Materials
Topic
Polymer Glass Transition Temperature
Difficulty
medium level question
Cognitive Level
understand
Practice Similar Questions
Test your understanding with related questions
1
Question 1Which factor is most likely to increase the glass transition temperature (Tg) of a polymer, thereby enhancing its suitability for high-temperature applications like automotive components?
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2
Question 2How does an increase in glass transition temperature (Tg) affect the thermal stability and processing conditions of a polymer during manufacturing?
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Question 3At which temperature range would you expect a polymer to transition from a hard state to a more flexible state, indicating its glass transition temperature (Tg)?
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Question 4Which of the following scenarios best illustrates how variations in molecular weight and chemical composition can affect the glass transition temperature (Tg) and subsequently influence the manufacturing conditions for a polymer used in a medical device?
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Question 5Which of the following statements accurately describe the mechanisms of polymerization? Select all that apply.
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6
Question 6Which of the following statements about Polymer Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) are true? Select all that apply.
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7
Question 7What is the primary reason that a polymer becomes flexible and rubbery above its glass transition temperature (Tg)?
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8
Question 8How does the Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) of polymers influence their use in high-temperature applications?
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