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Synthetic Materials

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What you will learn from this videoWhat you will learn
- Synthetic materials are made by humans.
- All synthetic materials are derived from Earth's natural resources.
- They can be used as fuels, fabrics, medicines and more.
- Discussion Questions
Before Video
What is a chemical reaction?ANSWERChemical reactions occur when the atomic bonds that make up molecules are broken and rearranged.
A physical change occurs when the size, shape, or appearance of a substance changes but its atomic makeup remains the same.
A mixture is a substance made by combining two or more different materials in such a way that no chemical reaction occurs. A mixture can usually be separated back into its original components.
Chemical changes result in new material(s) being formed that have different properties than those that were combined to make them.
For the most part, physical changes are reversible. However, some physical changes are very difficult or impossible to reverse, such as breaking a rock into smaller pieces.
For the most part, chemical changes are not reversible because the atoms that make up the molecules have been rearranged to form new substances.
After Video
What are synthetic materials? ANSWERA synthetic material is one in which the substances are deliberately joined together to produce a material with different characteristics. Some synthetic materials form from mixtures, but most are the result of chemical reactions.
Natural resources are resources that exist without humans having any role in their formation.
Plastics are formed from chemicals that are mixed together and chemically react to create carbon-based molecule chains called monomers. A variety of different chemicals can be used to make plastics, but the most common one today is petroleum.
Yes, we use synthetic materials for many things, including medicines, fabrics, containers, building materials, and fuels.
Yes, some synthetic materials, such as plastics, take a very long time to decompose. As a result, they can collect and cause pollution. It is important that these materials are recycled.
- Vocabulary
- Natural resources DEFINE
Anything that people use from nature.
- Synthetic materials DEFINE
Substances that are not produced by nature but rather are made by humans using natural materials.
- Minerals DEFINE
Naturally occurring solids such as zinc, copper, and graphite.
- Plastics DEFINE
Synthetic materials that come from a variety of sources that can be molded into shapes while soft.
- Reaction DEFINE
When two or more substances are converted into new substances as a result of their atoms rearranging.
- Fossil fuels DEFINE
Resources that are made from decayed plants and animals.
- Nylon DEFINE
Tough, lightweight synthetic fiber.
- Biodiesel DEFINE
Renewable, biodegradable fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or cooking grease.
- Aspirin DEFINE
Common pain reliever; the earliest forms came from willow bark, but modern versions are the result of chemical reactions.
- Natural resources DEFINE
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