Washington Master Esthetics Practice Exam

What term refers to a long molecule made up of chains of repeating units?

1. Monomer

2. Copolymer

3. Polymer

4. Complex molecule

The correct answer is: Polymer

The term that refers to a long molecule made up of chains of repeating units is "polymer." This concept is fundamental in both chemistry and material science. A polymer is composed of numerous smaller segments, known as monomers, which are chemically bonded together. This repetition of monomer units enables the formation of a macromolecule that can exhibit unique physical and chemical properties compared to its individual monomer counterparts. For instance, in the context of cosmetics and skin care products, polymers can play a crucial role in formulating creams, gels, and other products where the properties of the final mixture depend upon the structure and arrangement of the polymer chains. Polymers can provide elasticity, viscosity, and a range of textures that enhance the application and performance of these products on the skin. The other terms mentioned each refer to different structures: a monomer is the basic building block of polymers, a copolymer consists of two or more different types of monomers, and a complex molecule could refer to various types of arrangements but does not specifically describe the repetitive unit structure.