Adi and Emeril were discussing articles they had read online. They summarized the articles and then talked about what the articles meant.

Question

Adi read an article entitled, "The Wonderful World of Synthetic Chemistry." Emeril read an article entitled, "The Dangerous World of Synthetic Chemistry."

Read the portions of the articles (below) that Adi and Emeril had read. Then answer the questions.

The Wonderful World of Synthetic Chemistry
Synthetic chemistry involves producing new substances from existing raw materials. Often, the raw materials come from petroleum products like oil and natural gas, which have to be removed from deep underground. Then those molecules are used as starting materials to form new, useful molecules for things like plastics and medicines. Synthetic chemicals can be applied to clothing and household goods to make them resistant to burning. Synthetic clothing can be produced inexpensively and in a wide variety of styles. Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to transport.
The Dangerous World of Synthetic Chemistry
Synthetic materials are produced when raw materials undergo chemical reactions. Synthetic chemistry involves drilling for oil or liquid petroleum to use as raw materials. This process can lead to environmental pollution and risks to human health. Synthetic plastics are "forever" items, meaning it can take them hundreds or even thousands of years to break down in the environment. Recycling programs are not reliable, and single-use synthetic products are wasteful. Some synthetic chemicals are poisonous and can seep into groundwater.
Question 1

Adi and Emeril wanted to categorize their ideas about synthetic chemicals. Help them sort the ideas according to the articles that would support those ideas.

a. Click to show which ideas match which articles.

Some ideas might be found in both articles, so you may need to click to show that one or more ideas could be supported by both articles. (In other words, you might click twice on the same row.)

(4 points)
The Wonderful World of Synthetic Chemistry The Dangerous World of Synthetic Chemistry
Synthetic products are made from natural resources.

Synthetic products can be useful and can even save lives.

Synthetic products can be toxic for people and the planet.

People should avoid using synthetic products whenever possible.

Question 2

b. How do you expect synthetic materials to compare to the natural resources used to make them?

(1 point)
Responses

The synthetic materials have the same properties as the raw materials because chemical reactions took place.
The synthetic materials have the same properties as the raw materials because chemical reactions took place.

The synthetic materials have different properties from the raw materials because chemical reactions did not take place.
The synthetic materials have different properties from the raw materials because chemical reactions did not take place.

The synthetic materials have the same properties as the raw materials because chemical reactions did not take place.
The synthetic materials have the same properties as the raw materials because chemical reactions did not take place.

The synthetic materials have different properties from the raw materials because chemical reactions took place.
The synthetic materials have different properties from the raw materials because chemical reactions took place.
Question 3

c. Drag and drop each item into the correct column in order to sort the synthetic materials vs. the natural materials.

(2 points)
Put responses in the correct input to answer the question. Select a response, navigate to the desired input and insert the response. Responses can be selected and inserted using the space bar, enter key, left mouse button or touchpad. Responses can also be moved by dragging with a mouse.
synthetic materials natural materials
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Answer 1

Question 1

The Wonderful World of Synthetic Chemistry

• Synthetic products are made from natural resources. (Both)
• Synthetic products can be useful and can even save lives.

The Dangerous World of Synthetic Chemistry

• Synthetic products can be toxic for people and the planet.
• People should avoid using synthetic products whenever possible.

Question 2

How do you expect synthetic materials to compare to the natural resources used to make them?

• The synthetic materials have different properties from the raw materials because chemical reactions took place.

Question 3

Sort the synthetic materials vs. the natural materials.

synthetic materials

• Plastics
• Synthetic clothing
• Synthetic chemicals

natural materials

• Oil
• Natural gas
• Raw materials from the environment

Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need assistance with the task!