The correct option for the question regarding which synthetic polymer is primarily produced through the process of addition polymerization is **A. Polystyrene**. ### Detailed Explanation **1. Understanding Addition Polymerization:** Addition polymerization, also known as chain-growth polymerization, is a process where monomers with unsaturated bonds (typically double bonds) react to form a polymer. In this process, the double bonds of the monomers open up and link together to form long chains without the loss of any small molecules (like water or methanol). **2. Analyzing the Options:** - **A. Polystyrene:** - **Monomer:** The monomer for polystyrene is styrene, which has a vinyl group (C=C). - **Process:** During addition polymerization, the double bond in the styrene monomer opens up, allowing the monomers to link together to form long chains of polystyrene. - **Conclusion:** Polystyrene is indeed produced through addition polymerization. - **B. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET):** - **Monomer:** PET is made from the reaction of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. - **Process:** This is a condensation polymerization process, where a small molecule (water) is released during the formation of the polymer. Therefore, PET does not fit the criteria for addition polymerization. - **Conclusion:** PET is not produced through addition polymerization. - **C. Nylon:** - **Monomer:** Nylon is a type of polyamide made from the reaction of diamines and dicarboxylic acids. - **Process:** Similar to PET, the formation of nylon involves condensation polymerization, where water is released as a byproduct. - **Conclusion:** Nylon is not produced through addition polymerization. - **D. Polyvinyl acetate:** - **Monomer:** The monomer for polyvinyl acetate is vinyl acetate. - **Process:** While polyvinyl acetate is produced through a process that resembles addition polymerization, it is often categorized under emulsion polymerization, which is a specific type of addition polymerization. However, it is not as straightforward as polystyrene. - **Conclusion:** Although polyvinyl acetate involves addition polymerization, it is not as clear-cut as polystyrene. ### Summary of Why Other Options Are Incorrect: - **B. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)**: Produced via condensation polymerization, releasing water. - **C. Nylon**: Also produced via condensation polymerization, releasing water. - **D. Polyvinyl acetate**: While it involves addition polymerization, it is not as directly representative of the process as polystyrene. ### Common Pitfalls: - Confusing addition polymerization with condensation polymerization. Remember that addition polymerization does not release small molecules, while condensation polymerization does. - Misidentifying the type of polymerization based on the structure of the monomers. Always check if the polymerization involves the loss of a small molecule. ### Revision Summary: - **Addition polymerization** involves the linking of monomers with double bonds without the loss of small molecules. - **Polystyrene** is a clear example of a polymer produced through addition polymerization. - **Condensation polymerization** involves the release of small molecules, as seen in PET and nylon. - **Polyvinyl acetate** is related to addition polymerization but is not as straightforward as polystyrene. By understanding these concepts, you can better identify the types of polymerization processes and the polymers they produce.