Question

How is plastic made?

Coal and natural gas are broken down from long chains into the smaller compounds we call plastic.
Coal and natural gas are broken down from long chains into the smaller compounds we call plastic.

Oil and natural gas are broken down from long chains into the smaller compounds we call plastic.
Oil and natural gas are broken down from long chains into the smaller compounds we call plastic.

Coal and natural gas are chemically broken down into small compounds that combine to form plastic.
Coal and natural gas are chemically broken down into small compounds that combine to form plastic.

Oil and natural gas are chemically broken down into small compounds that combine to form plastic.

Answers

GPT-4o mini
Plastics are primarily made from oil and natural gas, which are fossil fuels. The process involves several key steps:

1. **Extraction**: Crude oil and natural gas are extracted from the earth.

2. **Refining and Cracking**: The crude oil is refined to separate various components. Through a process called cracking, larger hydrocarbon molecules are broken down into smaller ones, resulting in smaller compounds known as monomers.

3. **Polymerization**: These monomers, such as ethylene and propylene, undergo polymerization, where they chemically bond together to form long chains called polymers. This is how various types of plastics are created.

4. **Processing**: The polymers can then be further processed and combined with additives to enhance their properties, molds can be shaped, and final products can be produced.

So, the most accurate statement would be: "Oil and natural gas are chemically broken down into small compounds that combine to form plastic."

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