Characteristic ratios can be compiled for these molecules using the rotational isomeric state model. Symmetric “Maltese cross” patterns can be observed under polarized light when these molecules form semicrystalline spherulites (“sfir-ROO-lites”). Solutions of these molecules are considered ideal when the Mark–Houwink exponent equals one half and the theta condition is reached. The interaction parameter chi (“kai”) is used to calculate free energies of mixing for solutions of these molecules in the Flory–Huggins model. Atactic examples of these molecules usually have lowered glass-transition temperatures. Epoxy resins are “cured” into the thermoset type of these molecules, which are alternatively formed by step-growth or chain-growth methods. For 10 points, name these molecules made of repeating monomers. ■END■
ANSWER: polymers [accept polymer solutions; accept thermosets until read; accept starch or polysaccharides; prompt on plastics or thermoplastics; prompt on macromolecules or macrostructures; prompt on saccharides; prompt on starch granules; prompt on spherulites until read; prompt on crystals or liquid crystals or crystalline state or crystal lattices until read by asking “what molecules are being crystallized?”]
<Chicago A, Chemistry>
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