Question

The incorrect statement about polymers is

• A. Most polymers exhibit high electrical conductivity
• B. Polymers are generally chemically inert in many environments
• C. Many polymers are ductile and can be easily shaped into complex forms
• D. Polymers are usually nonmagnetic in nature

Hint:

Conducting polymers exist only when specially doped (e.g., polyaniline), otherwise polymers are insulators.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Polymers are long-chain macromolecules formed by repeating monomer units. Their physical and electrical properties depend on weak van der Waals forces or covalent bonding along the chain, but they generally lack free electrons for electrical conduction. Hence, most polymers behave as electrical insulators rather than conductors.

Step 1: Electrical behavior of polymers.
In polymers:
• electrons are tightly bound in covalent bonds
• no free electron sea exists (unlike metals)
• hence conductivity is extremely low Therefore, statement (A) claiming high electrical conductivity is incorrect.

Step 2: Chemical behavior.
Most polymers are chemically inert because:
• strong covalent bonds in backbone
• lack of reactive free electrons Thus, statement (B) is correct.

Step 3: Mechanical behavior.
Many polymers exhibit:
• viscoelastic behavior
• ductility under certain conditions (especially thermoplastics)
• easy molding and shaping Thus, statement (C) is correct.

Step 4: Magnetic behavior.
Polymers are generally:
• nonmagnetic
• lack magnetic dipole ordering Thus, statement (D) is correct. Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Most polymers exhibit high electrical conductivity (incorrect statement)}} \]