Final answer:
Plastic and nylon are examples of synthetic polymers, not pure substances. They are composed of repeating units called monomers, and their non-biodegradable nature makes them candidates for recycling to minimize environmental damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plastic and nylon are examples of synthetic polymers, not pure substances.
Pure substances are usually elements or compounds that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical changes. Examples of pure substances are gold, oxygen, or copper.
Conversely, synthetic polymers like plastic and nylon are made up of large molecules, known as polymers, composed of repeating units referred to as monomers.
For example, one kind of plastic named polyethylene is a synthetic polymer that is formed from the polymerization of ethylene.
Similarly, nylon is a type of polymer, which is created synthetically, and commonly used in fabrics and ropes for its durability and strength.
An important aspect of these materials, such as polyethylene and nylon, is that they are derived from petrochemicals and are not very biodegradable, making them a candidate for recycling.
The recycling of plastics helps minimize the need for using more of the petrochemical supplies and also reduces the environmental damage caused by disposing of these nonbiodegradable materials.
Learn more about Synthetic Polymers