Plastics Questions: Answers for Year 8 Students

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In summary, the conversation discusses the properties and advantages of plastics compared to traditional materials. It also mentions the use of oil in plastic production and its impact on cost. Additionally, there is a request for help on making plastic from milk.
  • #1
zap123
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Sorry to bother everyone
I want to ask a couple of questions that i am stuck on
What are plastics used for? What are some of their properties that make them so valuable as materal? what advantages does plastic have over traditional materials like wood, metal, stone, etc ? last one
Explain how to make plastic from milk?

COULD SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME I KNOW THESE MAY BE EASY QUESTIONS BUT IM ONLY IN YEAR 8
PLEASE REPLY ASAP
 
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  • #2
What are some of their properties that make them so valuable as materal? what advantages does plastic have over traditional materials like wood, metal, stone, etc ?

Many are polymers and oil is available in large quantities and at a cheap extraction cost. 90% of oil is used for energy purposes and the other 10% on materials, though I can't say which % of that is used to make plastics. The demand for this energy based oil cuts downs on the cost of plastics.
 
  • #3


Hello, I am happy to help answer your questions about plastics. Plastics are used in a variety of products such as packaging, toys, household items, and even in medical devices. They are lightweight, durable, and can be easily molded into different shapes, which makes them valuable as a material. Additionally, plastics are resistant to corrosion, have low electrical and thermal conductivity, and can be transparent or colored. These properties make them useful in many different applications.

Compared to traditional materials like wood, metal, and stone, plastics have several advantages. They are lighter, cheaper to produce, and can be molded into more complex shapes. They are also resistant to chemicals and water, making them suitable for use in various environments. Furthermore, plastics can be recycled and reused, making them a more sustainable option compared to traditional materials.

Now, let's talk about how to make plastic from milk. The process of making plastic from milk is called casein plastic. Casein is a protein found in milk, and when it is mixed with vinegar or lemon juice, it forms a plastic-like substance. Here are the steps to make casein plastic:

1. Heat a cup of milk in a saucepan until it is warm, but not boiling.
2. Add a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to the warm milk and stir.
3. The milk will curdle and form a solid mass. This is the casein.
4. Use a strainer to separate the casein from the liquid.
5. Rinse the casein with water to remove any remaining vinegar or lemon juice.
6. Knead the casein until it becomes a soft and pliable dough.
7. You can add food coloring to the dough if you want to make colored plastic.
8. Shape the dough into your desired form and let it dry for a few days.
9. Once the plastic has hardened, it can be used for various purposes.

I hope this helps answer your questions about plastics. Remember, there are no easy or silly questions when it comes to learning. Keep asking and seeking knowledge!
 

FAQ: Plastics Questions: Answers for Year 8 Students

What are plastics made of?

Plastics are made from long chains of molecules called polymers, which are made up of smaller units called monomers. These monomers are usually derived from petrochemicals, such as crude oil or natural gas.

Why are plastic products harmful to the environment?

Plastics are harmful to the environment because they do not biodegrade, meaning they do not break down into natural substances. Instead, they break down into smaller pieces known as microplastics, which can be ingested by animals and harm their health. Additionally, the production of plastics contributes to air and water pollution.

How can we reduce our use of plastics?

There are many ways to reduce our use of plastics, including using reusable bags and containers, choosing products with minimal packaging, and avoiding single-use plastic items, such as straws and water bottles. Recycling and properly disposing of plastics is also important.

What are the alternatives to plastic?

There are many alternatives to plastic, such as glass, metal, and paper. Bioplastics, which are made from renewable resources like corn starch, are also becoming more popular. However, it's important to note that some of these alternatives may still have negative impacts on the environment, and reducing overall consumption is the best solution.

How can we recycle plastics?

To recycle plastics, it is important to follow the recycling guidelines in your area. Generally, plastics are sorted by number, which can usually be found on the bottom of the product. They are then cleaned and processed into new products. It's important to properly dispose of plastics to avoid contamination and ensure that they can be recycled.

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