Fig. 1 shows a simplified protein polymer in a wool fibre. The chain is folded, and links between parts of the chain help the fibre keep its shape. A textil...
Question 1 Report
Fig. 1 shows a simplified protein polymer in a wool fibre. The chain is folded, and links between parts of the chain help the fibre keep its shape. A textile company investigates whether wool can replace some acrylic fibre in hats. Acrylic is a synthetic addition polymer. Wool is obtained from sheep and is made mainly from protein. The company needs hats that trap air and remain warm, but it also needs to consider washing and the source of each material.
(a) Name the naturally occurring polymer in wool. [1]
(b) Describe one difference between wool and acrylic in terms of source. [1]
(c) Explain why trapped air in a wool hat helps keep a person's head warm. [2]
(d) What type of small molecules join together to make a protein polymer? [1]
(e) Use the information to give one reason a company might blend wool with acrylic rather than use only wool. [2]
Answer Details
Natural and synthetic polymers
(a) The naturally occurring polymer in wool is protein. [1]
(b) Wool comes from sheep, a living organism, whereas acrylic is made synthetically from chemicals. [1]
(c) Trapped air is a poor conductor of thermal energy. Therefore less energy is transferred from the head to the cooler surroundings, helping the head stay warm. [2]
(d) Protein polymers are made from small molecules called amino acids. [1]
(e) Acrylic may improve durability, reduce cost, or reduce the need for animal fibre. Consequently, blending it with wool can make the hats more practical while retaining some useful wool properties. [2]
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