Step 1: Understanding polyethylene structures.
Polyethylene types differ mainly in the degree of branching in their polymer chains. Branching affects density, strength, and crystallinity.
Step 2: Branching comparison.
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) has very little branching, allowing polymer chains to pack closely. This results in higher density and strength compared to other types.
Step 3: Analysis of options.
(A) LDPE: Highly branched structure.
(B) HDPE: Correct — Has the least branching.
(C) LLDPE: Has short-chain branching.
(D) VLDPE: More branching than HDPE.
Step 4: Conclusion.
HDPE has the minimum number of branches, hence option (B) is correct.