The correct option for the synthetic polymer commonly used in the production of plastic bottles and containers due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to impact is **B. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)**. ### Detailed Explanation: 1. **Understanding the Properties of PET**: - **Strength-to-Weight Ratio**: PET is known for its high tensile strength, which means it can withstand significant stress without breaking. This property is crucial for containers that need to hold liquids under pressure, such as carbonated beverages. - **Impact Resistance**: PET is also resistant to impact, making it less likely to shatter or break when dropped or subjected to force. This is particularly important for consumer products that are frequently handled. 2. **Applications of PET**: - PET is widely used in the beverage industry for making bottles for water, soft drinks, and juices. Its ability to form a barrier against gases and moisture also makes it suitable for food packaging. - The recycling of PET is well-established, allowing for sustainable practices in the production of new containers from recycled materials. 3. **Why Other Options Are Incorrect**: - **A. Polystyrene**: While polystyrene is used in various applications, including disposable cutlery and foam packaging, it does not have the same strength-to-weight ratio or impact resistance as PET. It is more brittle and can break easily under stress. - **C. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)**: PVC is used in construction materials, plumbing, and electrical cable insulation. Although it has good chemical resistance, it is not typically used for bottles due to its rigidity and the potential release of harmful chemicals when heated or burned. - **D. Polypropylene**: Polypropylene is indeed strong and has a good resistance to impact, but it is not as commonly used for bottles as PET. It is more often used for containers that require a higher temperature resistance, such as microwaveable food containers. ### Summary of Key Points: - **Correct Answer**: B. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the best choice for plastic bottles due to its strength and impact resistance. - **Polystyrene** is brittle and not suitable for bottles. - **PVC** is rigid and not typically used for beverage containers. - **Polypropylene** is strong but less common for bottles compared to PET. ### Revision Summary: - PET is the preferred polymer for plastic bottles due to its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and impact resistance. - Polystyrene is too brittle for bottle applications. - PVC is not suitable for food and beverage containers due to its rigidity and potential health risks. - Polypropylene, while strong, is not as widely used for bottles as PET.