Question

Which of the following is used to make disposable cups?
A) Low-density polyethylene
B) Polypropylene
C) Polystyrene
D) PVC

Answer 1

Polymers are the macromolecules having a large molecular weight that contains repeating units known as monomers. The two most important types of polymers are organic polymers and synthetic polymers. Synthetic polymers have more applications in households. Here, all given polymers are synthetic polymers.

Complete solution:
Low-density polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer made from the ethylene monomer.
Low-density polyethylene is most commonly used in film applications also used in extrusion and injection techniques for coating and sheathing the materials
Hence, low-density polyethylene is not used to prepare disposable cups. Hence, option (A) is an incorrect answer for the given question.
Polypropylene is a polymer thermoplastic polymer made of monomeric units of propylene. It is used for coating purposes and also its plastic parts are used in different industries.
As it is a thermoplastic polymer not used in the manufacturing of the disposable cups hence, option (B) is an incorrect answer for the given question.
Polystyrene is a polymer made up of monomeric units of aromatic styrene molecules. Polystyrene is used to make foam cups hence; it is used to make disposable cups. These cups maintain the temperature of the hot and cold drinks for a longer period. Thus, no need for extra insulation for the cups.
Polyvinyl chloride is a polymer of vinyl chloride. It has wide application in construction, buildings, automobiles, electronics, etc. The material made from the polyvinyl chloride is not disposable hence, not used in making disposable cups. Hence, option (D) is an incorrect answer for the given question.

Hence, option (C) is the correct answer for the given question.

Note: Polymeric materials have wide applications in different fields. The properties of the polymer material decide their use in the manufacturing of the material. The material which maintains drink at their optimum temperature for the longest time is used for the preparation of the disposable cups.