What are thermoplastics?

• A. Poor conductors of heat and electricity, but very good insulators.
• B. Excellent conductors of heat, good insulators.
• C. Very strong metals used in construction.
• D. Biodegradable natural polymers.

Answer: (A)

Thermoplastics are plastics made of long polymer chains that soften when heated and can be reshaped. They are generally poor conductors of heat and electricity, which makes them good electrical and thermal insulators. That combination is why the description of them as poor heat and electrical conductors, and as very good insulators, is the best fit. They are typically synthetic polymers (like polyethylene or PVC) used for insulation and protective housings. They aren’t metals, and they aren’t necessarily natural polymers; while some plastics can be biodegradable, the term thermoplastics mainly refers to this class of reusable, heat-softenable polymers.