Polymers disposed in landfill are typically described as which property?

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Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Polymers disposed in landfill are typically described as which property?

Explanation:
Polymers disposed in landfill are typically non-biodegradable. Biodegradable means they can be broken down by micro-organisms into simpler substances within a reasonable time, which isn’t the case for most plastics used as polymers. In landfills, these polymers persist for many years because they resist microbial attack, so “non-biodegradable” best describes their behavior. The other terms don’t fit as well: recyclability is about whether a material can be reprocessed into new products, not its behavior once buried, and flammability isn’t the defining trait for waste in a landfill.

Polymers disposed in landfill are typically non-biodegradable. Biodegradable means they can be broken down by micro-organisms into simpler substances within a reasonable time, which isn’t the case for most plastics used as polymers. In landfills, these polymers persist for many years because they resist microbial attack, so “non-biodegradable” best describes their behavior. The other terms don’t fit as well: recyclability is about whether a material can be reprocessed into new products, not its behavior once buried, and flammability isn’t the defining trait for waste in a landfill.

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