PLASTICS | What is plastic | use of plastic| css general science and ability | by ibrar ahmad

Summary

The video script discusses the origin and properties of plastic, derived from the Latin word 'plasticus' meaning 'capable of being molded'. It's an organic compound made of oxygen and hydrogen, with long chains of carbon atoms. The script highlights plastic's versatility, its ability to be colored, its low melting point, and its role as an electrical insulator and non-magnet. It also touches on the widespread use of plastic in various industries, from manufacturing to daily life applications, and addresses the environmental concerns associated with plastic pollution and the toxic gases released during its burning.

Takeaways

• 😀 The word 'plastic' originates from the Latin word 'plasticus', meaning capable of being molded.
• 🔬 Plastics are organic compounds that contain oxygen and hydrogen and are difficult to burn with a long chain of carbon atoms.
• 🎨 Plastics can be colored, allowing for a variety of colors to be produced by adding different pigments.
• 📏 Plastics have a lower density compared to metals, which makes them lighter and more versatile for various applications.
• ⚡ Plastics act as electrical insulators, preventing the flow of electric current through them.
• 🧲 Plastics are non-magnetic, meaning they do not attract magnets and are not attracted by them.
• 🛡 Chemically stable, plastics do not easily react with other substances, making them suitable for long-term use.
• 🔨 Not brittle, plastics are flexible and can be used in various household and industrial products without breaking easily.
• 🏭 Plastics are widely used in manufacturing, including furniture, computers, laptops, and various appliances, making up about 30% of the total material.
• 🚗 In the automotive and textile industries, as well as in telephones, plastics are utilized for their durability and versatility.
• 🌳 Plastics can also be used to create compact discs, showcasing their role in the technology sector.
• 🚯 The improper use of plastics can lead to health issues due to the potential absorption of harmful substances by the body.
• 🌊 Plastic pollution is a significant environmental concern, as plastics can cause pollution in water bodies.
• 🔥 When plastics are burned, they release toxic gases that contribute to air pollution, equivalent to about 4% of the pollution caused by petrol.
• 🗑 Land pollution occurs as plastics do not decompose quickly, leading to long-term soil contamination when buried.

Q & A

What does the word 'plastic' derive from and what does it mean?

The word 'plastic' is derived from the Latin word 'plasticus', which means 'capable of being molded', indicating that the material can be shaped and changed in form.

What are the main components of plastic?

Plastic is made from organic compounds that contain oxygen and hydrogen, and often include long chains of carbon atoms.

How are organic compounds in plastics utilized?

Organic compounds in plastics are used to create a variety of products, as they can be difficult to break down and are versatile in their applications.

What are some of the properties of plastic?

Plastic has several properties, including being moldable, lightweight, an electrical insulator, non-magnetic, chemically stable, and not being brittle.

Can plastic be colored?

Yes, plastic can be colored by adding pigments to it, allowing it to be produced in various colors as desired.

How does plastic compare to metals in terms of weight?

Plastic is generally lighter than metals, making it a preferred material for many applications where weight is a consideration.

What is the significance of plastic in the manufacturing industry?

Plastic is widely used in the manufacturing industry due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, with approximately 12% of the total weight of a car being plastic.

In what other areas is plastic commonly used besides manufacturing?

Plastic is also commonly used in airplanes, packaging, automobiles, textiles, telephones, and in the production of compact discs.

What are some of the disadvantages or harmful effects of plastic?

Plastic can cause health issues when ingested, contribute to water pollution, and release toxic gases when burned, which can contribute to air pollution.

How does plastic contribute to environmental pollution?

Plastic contributes to environmental pollution through land pollution when it is buried and does not decompose quickly, and through water pollution due to its widespread use and improper disposal.

What percentage of a car's total weight is typically made up of plastic?

Approximately 12% of a car's total weight is made up of plastic.