MCQs on Polymers – CBSE Class 12 Chemistry
MCQs on Polymers – CBSE Class 12 Chemistry
Organic Chemistry | NCERT-Based | MCQs with Answers & Explanations
The following 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are strictly based on the NCERT syllabus for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry.
They are arranged section-wise to cover classification of polymers, methods of polymerisation, types of polymers, important synthetic and natural polymers, and their uses, with clear, concept-building explanations suitable for CBSE board exam preparation.
Section A: Basic Concepts & Classification of Polymers
Q1. Polymers are substances composed of:
A. Small molecules only
B. Monomers linked together
C. Only carbon atoms
D. Inorganic compounds
Answer: B
Explanation:
Polymers are high molecular mass substances formed by repeated units of monomers.
Q2. The process of formation of polymers from monomers is called:
A. Hydrolysis
B. Condensation
C. Polymerisation
D. Neutralisation
Answer: C
Explanation:
Polymerisation is the chemical process in which monomers join to form polymers.
Q3. Which of the following is a natural polymer?
A. PVC
B. Nylon-6
C. Cellulose
D. Bakelite
Answer: C
Explanation:
Cellulose occurs naturally in plants and is a natural polymer.
Q4. Synthetic polymers are those which are:
A. Found in nature
B. Man-made
C. Biodegradable only
D. Protein-based
Answer: B
Explanation:
Synthetic polymers are artificially prepared in laboratories or industries.
Q5. Which of the following is not a polymer?
A. Starch
B. Protein
C. Glucose
D. Rubber
Answer: C
Explanation:
Glucose is a monomer, not a polymer.
Section B: Types of Polymerisation
Q6. Addition polymerisation involves:
A. Elimination of small molecules
B. Saturated monomers
C. Unsaturated monomers
D. Formation of esters
Answer: C
Explanation:
Addition polymerisation occurs with unsaturated monomers like alkenes.
Q7. Which polymer is formed by addition polymerisation?
A. Nylon-6,6
B. Terylene
C. Polythene
D. Bakelite
Answer: C
Explanation:
Polythene is formed by addition polymerisation of ethene.
Q8. Condensation polymerisation involves:
A. Free radical mechanism
B. Elimination of small molecules
C. Double bonds
D. Catalysts only
Answer: B
Explanation:
Condensation polymerisation occurs with elimination of small molecules like water or HCl.
Q9. Nylon-6,6 is formed by condensation of:
A. Caprolactam
B. Adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine
C. Ethene
D. Phenol and formaldehyde
Answer: B
Explanation:
Nylon-6,6 is a polyamide formed from adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine.
Q10. Which polymer is prepared by condensation polymerisation?
A. Polystyrene
B. PVC
C. Nylon-6
D. Polyethene
Answer: C
Explanation:
Nylon-6 is formed by condensation polymerisation of caprolactam.
Section C: Classification Based on Structure
Q11. Linear polymers consist of:
A. Branched chains
B. Cross-linked chains
C. Straight long chains
D. Ring structures
Answer: C
Explanation:
Linear polymers have straight chain structures.
Q12. Which of the following is a branched chain polymer?
A. High density polythene
B. Low density polythene
C. Nylon-6
D. Terylene
Answer: B
Explanation:
LDPE has branched chains, making it less dense.
Q13. Bakelite is an example of:
A. Linear polymer
B. Branched polymer
C. Cross-linked polymer
D. Copolymer
Answer: C
Explanation:
Bakelite has a three-dimensional cross-linked structure.
Q14. Cross-linked polymers are generally:
A. Soft and elastic
B. Weak
C. Hard and brittle
D. Soluble in water
Answer: C
Explanation:
Cross-linking makes polymers hard and rigid.
Q15. Which polymer has a three-dimensional network?
A. Nylon-6
B. Polythene
C. Bakelite
D. PVC
Answer: C
Explanation:
Bakelite has extensive cross-linking.
Section D: Classification Based on Molecular Forces
Q16. Elastomers are polymers which:
A. Are rigid
B. Break easily
C. Can be stretched and return to original shape
D. Are crystalline
Answer: C
Explanation:
Elastomers show elastic behaviour due to weak intermolecular forces.
Q17. Natural rubber is an example of:
A. Fibre
B. Thermoplastic
C. Elastomer
D. Thermosetting plastic
Answer: C
Explanation:
Rubber shows elasticity, characteristic of elastomers.
Q18. Which polymer is used for making ropes and fabrics?
A. Polythene
B. Nylon
C. PVC
D. Bakelite
Answer: B
Explanation:
Nylon is a fibre with high tensile strength.
Q19. Thermoplastics can be:
A. Melted repeatedly
B. Melted only once
C. Not melted
D. Cross-linked
Answer: A
Explanation:
Thermoplastics soften on heating and can be reshaped repeatedly.
Q20. Which of the following is a thermosetting plastic?
A. PVC
B. Polythene
C. Bakelite
D. Nylon
Answer: C
Explanation:
Bakelite becomes permanently hard on heating.
Section E: Important Synthetic Polymers
Q21. PVC is formed by polymerisation of:
A. Ethene
B. Vinyl chloride
C. Styrene
D. Propene
Answer: B
Explanation:
PVC is formed from vinyl chloride monomer.
Q22. Teflon is chemically known as:
A. Polyvinyl chloride
B. Polytetrafluoroethylene
C. Polystyrene
D. Polypropylene
Answer: B
Explanation:
Teflon is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Q23. Which polymer is used in non-stick cookware?
A. PVC
B. Nylon
C. Teflon
D. Bakelite
Answer: C
Explanation:
Teflon has non-stick and heat-resistant properties.
Q24. Polystyrene is prepared from:
A. Ethene
B. Styrene
C. Vinyl chloride
D. Propene
Answer: B
Explanation:
Styrene undergoes addition polymerisation to form polystyrene.
Q25. Which polymer is used for making electrical switches?
A. Polythene
B. Nylon
C. Bakelite
D. Rubber
Answer: C
Explanation:
Bakelite is heat resistant and non-conducting.
Section F: Copolymers & Biodegradable Polymers
Q26. Copolymers are formed from:
A. One type of monomer
B. Two or more different monomers
C. Only natural monomers
D. Only synthetic monomers
Answer: B
Explanation:
Copolymers contain two or more different monomer units.
Q27. Buna-S is a copolymer of:
A. Butadiene and styrene
B. Butadiene and acrylonitrile
C. Isoprene and sulphur
D. Ethene and propene
Answer: A
Explanation:
Buna-S is formed from 1,3-butadiene and styrene.
Q28. Buna-N is used mainly in making:
A. Tyres
B. Oil-resistant products
C. Fibres
D. Adhesives
Answer: B
Explanation:
Buna-N shows resistance to oils and solvents.
Q29. Which polymer is biodegradable?
A. PVC
B. Nylon-6
C. PHBV
D. Polythene
Answer: C
Explanation:
PHBV is a biodegradable polymer.
Q30. Biodegradable polymers are important because they:
A. Are stronger
B. Are cheaper
C. Reduce environmental pollution
D. Are thermosetting
Answer: C
Explanation:
They decompose naturally, reducing plastic pollution.
Section G: Rubber & Vulcanisation
Q31. Natural rubber is a polymer of:
A. Ethene
B. Isoprene
C. Styrene
D. Butadiene
Answer: B
Explanation:
Natural rubber is cis-1,4-polyisoprene.
Q32. Vulcanisation of rubber involves heating with:
A. Oxygen
B. Chlorine
C. Sulphur
D. Nitrogen
Answer: C
Explanation:
Sulphur forms cross-links between rubber chains.
Q33. Vulcanisation improves rubber by increasing:
A. Softness
B. Elasticity and strength
C. Solubility
D. Conductivity
Answer: B
Explanation:
Cross-linking enhances strength, elasticity, and durability.
Q34. Which rubber is oil-resistant?
A. Natural rubber
B. Buna-S
C. Buna-N
D. Neoprene
Answer: C
Explanation:
Buna-N resists oils due to nitrile groups.
Q35. Neoprene is a polymer of:
A. Isoprene
B. Chloroprene
C. Butadiene
D. Styrene
Answer: B
Explanation:
Neoprene is formed from chloroprene monomer.
Section H: NCERT-Based Mixed MCQs
Q36. Which polymer is used for making plastic bags?
A. HDPE
B. LDPE
C. Nylon
D. Bakelite
Answer: B
Explanation:
LDPE is flexible and used in plastic carry bags.
Q37. Which polymer has highest tensile strength?
A. Polythene
B. Rubber
C. Nylon
D. PVC
Answer: C
Explanation:
Nylon fibres have high tensile strength.
Q38. Which polymer is transparent and brittle?
A. Rubber
B. Polythene
C. Polystyrene
D. Bakelite
Answer: C
Explanation:
Polystyrene is transparent but brittle.
Q39. Which polymer is used as insulating material in wires?
A. PVC
B. Nylon
C. Rubber
D. Teflon
Answer: A
Explanation:
PVC is a good electrical insulator.
Q40. Which polymer cannot be recycled easily?
A. Polythene
B. PVC
C. Nylon
D. Bakelite
Answer: D
Explanation:
Thermosetting plastics like Bakelite cannot be remelted.
Q41. Which polymer is used for making bulletproof jackets?
A. Nylon
B. Terylene
C. Kevlar
D. PVC
Answer: C
Explanation:
Kevlar has very high strength and impact resistance.
Q42. Which polymer is polyester?
A. Nylon-6
B. Terylene
C. PVC
D. Bakelite
Answer: B
Explanation:
Terylene is a polyester formed from ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid.
Q43. Which polymer shows zig-zag structure?
A. Polythene
B. Nylon
C. Rubber
D. Bakelite
Answer: A
Explanation:
Polythene chains have zig-zag arrangement.
Q44. Which polymer is also called polyethylene terephthalate (PET)?
A. Nylon
B. Terylene
C. PVC
D. Bakelite
Answer: B
Explanation:
Terylene is commercially known as PET.
Q45. Which polymer is used in making raincoats?
A. Nylon
B. PVC
C. Polythene
D. Bakelite
Answer: B
Explanation:
PVC is waterproof, suitable for rainwear.
Q46. Which polymerisation uses free radicals?
A. Condensation polymerisation
B. Addition polymerisation
C. Copolymerisation
D. Vulcanisation
Answer: B
Explanation:
Addition polymerisation often proceeds via free radical mechanism.
Q47. Which polymer is biodegradable?
A. Nylon-6
B. PHBV
C. PVC
D. Polystyrene
Answer: B
Explanation:
PHBV decomposes naturally by microorganisms.
Q48. Which polymer is used in making toys?
A. Polystyrene
B. Bakelite
C. Nylon
D. Rubber
Answer: A
Explanation:
Polystyrene is lightweight and commonly used in toys.
Q49. Which polymer is flexible and used in tubing?
A. Nylon
B. PVC
C. Bakelite
D. Terylene
Answer: B
Explanation:
PVC can be made flexible using plasticisers.
Q50. Which statement is correct about polymers?
A. All polymers are synthetic
B. All polymers are biodegradable
C. Polymers have low molecular mass
D. Polymers consist of repeating units
Answer: D
Explanation:
A defining feature of polymers is the presence of repeating monomer units.
✅ CBSE Exam Tip:
These MCQs are 100% NCERT-aligned, concept-focused, and ideal for Class 12 board exams, revision, and objective practice.