Question

polyethylene is a flexible substance that is used in some plastic bags. the picture shows a model of polyethylene. why might polyethylene have properties that are useful for plastic bags? a. it is flexible because the hydrogen atoms are a gas that makes the structure flat. b. it is soft and flexible because it is made of carbon, which is hard and holds its shape as a crystal individually. c. it is soft and flexible because it is made of strands of carbon and hydrogen arranged for strength but that bend and slide past each other easily.

Explanation:

Polyethylene's structure of carbon - hydrogen strands allows for flexibility. The strands can bend and slide past each other, giving it useful properties for plastic bags. Option A is incorrect as hydrogen atoms in polyethylene are not in a gaseous state within the polymer structure and do not make it flat. Option B is wrong because carbon in polyethylene is not in a hard, crystalline form as described.

Answer:

C. It is soft and flexible because it is made of strands of carbon and hydrogen arranged for strength but that bend and slide past each other easily.