A student asks a class the following question, “Polyethylene has a relatively short formula (C2H4) while nylon has a long formula (C12H22N2O2). However, in a toothbrush, the handle is relatively long while the bristles are relatively short. How is this possible?”
Choose the explanation below that best responds to the student’s question.
A
Molecules are so small that they cannot be seen with a naked eye. Therefore, being a slightly bigger molecule on that scale will not influence how big the part of the toothbrush is.
B
In a toothbrush, the polyethylene chain is most likely a longer chain of molecules than the nylon chain, making the handle longer than the bristles.
C
Polyethylene is used for the bristles and nylon is used for the handle, because the size of the molecule does determine the size of the object being built by the molecules.
D
Polyethylene has a short formula, but it makes a long chain. Nylon has a long formula, but it is fat, not long. That is why the nylon bristles are short while the handle is long and thin.
