Synthetic Fibres and Plastics – Very Short Answer Type Questions
Class 8
Science
Chapter 3
Synthetic Fibres and Plastics — 50 Very Short Answer Questions (Topic-wise)
CBSE Class 8 Science – Chapter Wise Study Materials Based on NCERT
CBSE Board Examinations — Chapter Presentation (Systematic):
- Focus: definitions, types, properties, uses, care and environmental aspects of synthetic fibres and plastics.
- Question Style: Very Short Answers (one-line or short phrase) suitable for quick revision.
Topic 1: Basics & Definitions (Q1–Q8)
- Q1: What is a fibre?A thin thread-like structure used to make textiles.
- Q2: Define synthetic fibre.A fibre manufactured by chemical processes, not obtained directly from plants/animals.
- Q3: What is a polymer?A large molecule made of repeating units called monomers.
- Q4: Give one example of a natural fibre.Cotton.
- Q5: Give one example of a synthetic fibre.Nylon.
- Q6: What is plastic?A synthetic material made of polymers that can be moulded into shapes.
- Q7: Name two common uses of fibres.Clothing and ropes.
- Q8: State one advantage of synthetic fibres over natural fibres.Greater durability and resistance to wrinkles.
Topic 2: Important Synthetic Fibres (Q9–Q20)
- Q9: What is rayon made from?Regenerated cellulose (wood pulp).
- Q10: Which synthetic fibre is called an artificial silk?Rayon (viscose).
- Q11: Name one use of nylon.Ropes, stockings or parachutes.
- Q12: Give one property of polyester.Resistant to shrinking and quick-drying.
- Q13: Which fibre is often used as a wool substitute?Acrylic.
- Q14: Which fibre is strong and elastic?Nylon.
- Q15: Which synthetic fibre is highly absorbent among synthetics?Rayon.
- Q16: Name a synthetic fibre used in carpets and blankets.Acrylic or polyester.
- Q17: Which fibre is commonly blended with cotton to improve durability?Polyester (poly-cotton blends).
- Q18: What property makes polyester suitable for sportswear?Quick-drying and moisture-wicking nature.
- Q19: Name one environmental drawback of synthetic fibres.They shed microplastics during washing.
- Q20: Which fibre is produced by polymerising acrylonitrile?Acrylic fibre.
Topic 3: Properties and Uses (Q21–Q30)
- Q21: Why is nylon used for making parachutes?Because it is strong, lightweight and durable.
- Q22: State one use of rayon in clothing.Dress materials and linings.
- Q23: Why are polyester blends popular?They combine comfort of natural fibres with durability of synthetics.
- Q24: What makes acrylic good for winter clothing?It is warm, light and wool-like.
- Q25: Give one industrial use of synthetic fibres.Seat belts or conveyor belts.
- Q26: What property of synthetic fibres reduces ironing needs?They are wrinkle-resistant.
- Q27: Which fibre would be least suitable for absorbent towels?Polyester (less absorbent than cotton or rayon).
- Q28: Name one biomedical use of synthetic fibres.Sutures or prosthetic fibres.
- Q29: How does fibre elasticity affect clothing fit?Elastic fibres allow stretch and better fit (e.g., sportswear).
- Q30: What property is important for fibres used in outdoor gear?Weather resistance and durability.
Topic 4: Plastics — Types & Characteristics (Q31–Q38)
- Q31: What is the main difference between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics?Thermoplastics can be remoulded on heating; thermosets cannot.
- Q32: Give one example of a thermoplastic.Polyethylene (PE) or PVC.
- Q33: Give one example of a thermosetting plastic.Bakelite or melamine.
- Q34: Why is bakelite used for electrical switches?Because it is heat-resistant and a good insulator.
- Q35: Name one common use of PVC.Pipes and window frames.
- Q36: What property of plastics makes them ideal for packaging?Lightweight and corrosion resistance.
- Q37: What is meant by polymerisation?Joining many monomer molecules to form a polymer chain.
- Q38: Which plastic would you choose for a reusable water bottle?Food-grade polyethylene or PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
Topic 5: Environmental Issues & Recycling (Q39–Q46)
- Q39: Why are many plastics harmful to the environment?They are non-biodegradable and persist in nature.
- Q40: What does 'biodegradable' mean?Capable of being broken down by microbes into natural substances.
- Q41: Name one method of recycling plastics.Melting and remoulding thermoplastics.
- Q42: What does the 3R principle stand for?Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
- Q43: How can we reduce plastic waste at home?Use cloth bags and avoid single-use plastics.
- Q44: Name one impact of plastic pollution on marine life.Ingestion of plastics can harm or kill marine animals.
- Q45: Why should we avoid burning plastics?Burning releases toxic fumes and pollutants.
- Q46: What is a recycling code?A number on plastic items indicating the type of plastic for recycling.
Topic 6: Care of Fabrics, Practicals & Quick Revision (Q47–Q50)
- Q47: How should you wash synthetic clothes to reduce damage?Follow care label, wash gently, avoid high heat while drying.
- Q48: What simple test can distinguish cotton from a synthetic fibre?Burn test: cotton burns to ash; many synthetics melt and produce plastic smell (demonstrate safely).
- Q49: Give one tip to prevent pilling of synthetic garments.Wash inside out on gentle cycles and avoid rough surfaces.
- Q50: Suggest one quick revision strategy for this chapter.Make a two-column chart listing fibre/plastic — properties — uses for memorisation.
Note: These Very Short Questions with Answers are organised topic-wise and strictly follow the NCERT syllabus, making them ideal for CBSE Class 8 board exams standard.