The process of monomers reacting together in a chain reaction is called

The process of monomers reacting together in a chain reaction is called

• A. Condensation
• B. Crystallization
• C. Polymerization
• D. Polymer

Answer: (C)

Linking many small, repeating units into long molecular chains is polymerization. In this process, monomers react to form covalent bonds that extend the chain, often through a mechanism where a reactive center continually adds one monomer at a time, creating a growing polymer chain. This is different from condensation, which describes a type of polymerization where small molecules are eliminated (like water) as bonds form, and from crystallization, which is about molecules arranging into an ordered solid lattice rather than forming chains. A polymer is the large molecule produced by this process, made up of many repeating units.

Linking many small, repeating units into long molecular chains is polymerization. In this process, monomers react to form covalent bonds that extend the chain, often through a mechanism where a reactive center continually adds one monomer at a time, creating a growing polymer chain.

This is different from condensation, which describes a type of polymerization where small molecules are eliminated (like water) as bonds form, and from crystallization, which is about molecules arranging into an ordered solid lattice rather than forming chains. A polymer is the large molecule produced by this process, made up of many repeating units.