Which term describes polymers that degrade when exposed to light?

Which term describes polymers that degrade when exposed to light?

• A. Oxy-degradable
• B. Photo-degradable
• C. Hydro-degradable
• D. Biodegradable

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is how degradation mechanisms in polymers are signaled by prefixes. When a polymer breaks down due to exposure to light, the term used is photo-degradable. The prefix “photo” specifically refers to light (often UV), and these polymers are designed so that light exposure causes bonds to break and the material to fragment over time. This differs from the other terms: oxy-degradable relies on oxidation (reaction with oxygen) to cause degradation, sometimes aided by heat or light but not driven by light exposure itself. Hydro-degradable degrades by hydrolysis in the presence of water. Biodegradable means microorganisms actively break the material down, typically in a composting or soil environment, rather than light exposure being the trigger.

The concept being tested is how degradation mechanisms in polymers are signaled by prefixes. When a polymer breaks down due to exposure to light, the term used is photo-degradable. The prefix “photo” specifically refers to light (often UV), and these polymers are designed so that light exposure causes bonds to break and the material to fragment over time.

This differs from the other terms: oxy-degradable relies on oxidation (reaction with oxygen) to cause degradation, sometimes aided by heat or light but not driven by light exposure itself. Hydro-degradable degrades by hydrolysis in the presence of water. Biodegradable means microorganisms actively break the material down, typically in a composting or soil environment, rather than light exposure being the trigger.