Define polymer and polymerization

 Define polymer and polymerization:

Polymer:

• Polymers are large molecules made up of many smaller units called monomers that are joined together.
• Some common examples of polymers include plastics, rubber, and DNA.
• The properties of a polymer, such as its strength and flexibility, depend on the specific monomers used and how they are arranged.
• Polymers can be natural or synthetic, with some occurring in nature and others made in a laboratory or factory.
• Polymers have a wide range of uses, from packaging materials and medical devices to textiles and electronics.

Polymerization:

• Polymerization is a chemical reaction that joins together many small molecules, called monomers, to form a large molecule called a polymer.
• There are two main types of polymerization: addition and condensation.
• In addition polymerization, monomers are joined together without the loss of any byproducts, while in condensation polymerization, small molecules, such as water or alcohol, are formed as byproducts.
• Polymerization can be initiated by heat, light, or a catalyst, depending on the specific reaction.
• Polymerization is used to create a wide range of products, from plastics and adhesives to pharmaceuticals and paints.