Question

Distinguish between the terms homopolymer and copolymer and given an example of each.

Answer 1

Homopolymer A polymer in which a single type of monomer is used is called homopolymer. In other words, the repeating units of homopolymers are derived only from one monomer e.g., polythene, polystyrene etc.

The polymers whose repeating units are derived from two types of monomers are known as copolymers. In another way, the polymer in which the monomers are more than one type is called copolymer. For example, Buna - S is a copolymer of 1, 3-butadiene and styrene.