Question detail
What is a major environmental concern regarding the disposal of polymers?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Polymers (A-level only)
Question
- A. They are biodegradable and decompose quickly.
- B. They can persist in the environment for a long time.
- C. They are easily recycled into new products.
- D. They do not release harmful substances when burned.
Answer
They can persist in the environment for a long time.
Explanation
Polymers often resist degradation, leading to long-term environmental pollution, which is a significant concern in waste management.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Biodegradability
Students often confuse biodegradability with recyclability, thinking all biodegradable polymers can be recycled.
Biodegradability refers to the ability of a polymer to decompose naturally by microorganisms, while recyclability means a polymer can be processed and reused. It's important to understand that not all biodegradable polymers are recyclable.
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