Arizona State Board Nail Technology Practice Exam

A short chain of monomers that is not long enough to be considered a polymer is called __________.

1. an oligomer

2. a copolymer

3. a dimer

4. an oligopoly

The correct answer is: an oligomer

A short chain of monomers that is not long enough to be considered a polymer is called an oligomer. Oligomers are small molecules that consist of a few repeating units of monomers, typically ranging from two to several dozen. This allows them to have distinct properties compared to larger, more complex polymers, which are made up of many thousands of monomer units. The term "oligomer" is significant in the field of chemistry and materials science because it helps to describe materials that have intermediate characteristics between simple molecules and fully formed polymers. This is particularly useful in various applications, such as in adhesives, coatings, and even in biology, where oligomers can play a role in structural and functional systems. While "copolymer" refers to a polymer made from two different types of monomers, and "dimer" specifically indicates a molecule composed of two monomer units, neither captures the broad concept of small chains of repeating units that do not reach polymer length. The term "oligopoly," on the other hand, relates to economics and market structure, making it irrelevant in this context. Therefore, oligomer is the most accurate term to describe a short chain of monomers insufficiently long to be classified as a polymer.