Which statement NOT a typical property of polymers/plastics?

• A. Soft, ductile, low strength, low density
• B. Thermal & electrical insulators
• C. Optically translucent or transparent
• D. High electrical conductivity

Answer: (D)

Polymers typically show soft, ductile behavior with relatively low strength and low density, making them lightweight and easily shaped. They are also thermal and electrical insulators, so they don’t conduct heat or electricity well in their ordinary forms. Many polymers are optically translucent or transparent, like acrylics and some plastics, which is another common property.

The statement about high electrical conductivity isn’t typical for everyday polymers because their electrons are not free to move along the chains in the way they do in metals. Conductivity in polymers is usually very low unless special measures are taken, such as adding dopants or using specially designed conductive polymers. That’s why high electrical conductivity is not a common property of standard plastics.