International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Chemistry Practice Exam

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What application does poly(chloroethene) have?

  1. Plastic toys

  2. Plastic piping and cable insulation

  3. Plastic bottles

  4. Packaging materials

The correct answer is: Plastic piping and cable insulation

Poly(chloroethene), commonly known as PVC (polyvinyl chloride), is extensively used in plastic piping and cable insulation due to its excellent durability, resistance to environmental factors, and ability to withstand high pressures. The properties of PVC make it suitable for plumbing applications, as it does not corrode like metal pipes and can endure varying temperatures and types of water. In addition, its electrical insulating properties are highly valued in the electrical industry for protecting wires and cables, ensuring safety and reliability in electrical installations. Other options, while they do involve various plastics, do not correctly represent the primary applications of PVC. For example, plastic toys and packaging materials might be made from other types of plastics that are better suited for those specific uses, whereas plastic bottles are often produced from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or other lightweight, flexible polymers.