Question

Which of the following polymers is used to obtain shopping bags?

• A. HDPE
• B. LDPE
• C. Polypropylene
• D. PVC

Hint:

Associate LDPE (Low Density) with highly flexible, thin, stretchable everyday plastic items like grocery shopping bags, cling wraps, and squeeze tubes. Associate HDPE (High Density) with tough, rigid containers like milk jugs and buckets!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the specific polymer from the given options that is widely manufactured and used to produce flexible shopping bags.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
The physical and mechanical properties of polyethene depend directly on its structural density and branching network:

• Low-Density Polyethene (LDPE): Highly branched structure, which prevents the polymer chains from packing closely together. This results in a low density, high flexibility, and excellent toughness.

• High-Density Polyethene (HDPE): Linear structure with minimal branching, allowing tight chain packing, high density, stiffness, and structural tensile strength.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Because LDPE features extensive chain branching, it possesses high flexibility, chemically inert behavior, moisture resistance, and lightweight characteristics.
These specific mechanical attributes make it exceptionally suited for fabricating thin, stretchable plastic films, squeeze bottles, and flexible carrying or shopping bags.
Conversely, HDPE is used for more rigid structures like pipes, buckets, and heavy-duty containers due to its high crystallinity and structural rigidity.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The polymer used to obtain shopping bags is LDPE, which matches option (B).