📚 Learning Guide
Polymer Glass Transition Temperature
easy

At 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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Learning Path

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Choose the Best Answer

A

Below 0°C

B

Between 0°C and 100°C

C

Above 100°C

D

Exactly 200°C

Understanding the Answer

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Answer

The glass transition temperature (Tg) is the point where a polymer changes from a stiff, glassy state to a more rubbery, flexible state; it usually falls between about –50 °C and 150 °C depending on the polymer. Below Tg the chains are frozen in place, so the material feels hard and brittle. As the temperature rises above Tg, the chains gain enough thermal energy to move past one another, making the polymer softer and more flexible. For example, polycarbonate has a Tg around 150 °C, so it is rigid below that temperature but becomes noticeably pliable once the room temperature rises above that value.

Detailed Explanation

When a polymer is heated, the energy makes its chain segments move more freely. Other options are incorrect because Many people think cold makes plastic hard, but the glass transition needs enough heat to loosen the chains; Some believe polymers only soften after very high temperatures.

Key Concepts

Definition of Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)
Topic

Polymer Glass Transition Temperature

Difficulty

easy level question

Cognitive Level

understand

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