Differentiation of Natural and Synthetic Fibers
Where do natural and synthetic fibers originate from?
A. Plants and animals
B. Chemical compounds
C. Minerals
D. Soil
How do natural plant and animal fibers look different under a microscope?
A. Natural plant fibers appear twisted or elongated, while natural animal fibers have small scales
B. Natural plant fibers have small scales, while natural animal fibers appear twisted or elongated
C. Both look the same under a microscope
D. None of the above
What are four ways synthetic fibers are different from each other?
A. Composition, properties, and manufacturing processes
B. Color, texture, and length
C. Elasticity, durability, and price
D. Size, weight, and shape
Draw a cross-section of a synthetic fiber and a natural fiber.
A. 1 and 2 B. 2 and 3 C. 1 and 3 D. 3 and 4
Answers:
A. Plants and animals
A. Natural plant fibers appear twisted or elongated, while natural animal fibers have small scales
A. Composition, properties, and manufacturing processes
A. 1 and 2
Natural fibers come from plants and animals, while synthetic fibers are human-made. Natural fibers are sourced from plants such as cotton or flax, and animals like sheep for wool or silkworms for silk. On the other hand, synthetic fibers are chemically manufactured from compounds like polyester or nylon.
Under a microscope, natural plant fibers look different from natural animal fibers. Natural plant fibers, such as cotton or flax, appear as twisted or elongated strands when viewed under a microscope. In contrast, natural animal fibers like wool or silk are made up of small scales or continuous filaments, respectively, giving them distinct appearances.
Synthetic fibers differ in composition, properties, and manufacturing processes. Examples of synthetic fibers include polyester, nylon, acrylic, and rayon. Each type of synthetic fiber has unique characteristics such as strength, flexibility, and resistance to moisture that differentiate them from one another. Their manufacturing processes also vary, leading to differences in structure and performance.
A cross-section of a synthetic fiber typically shows a uniform and consistent structure, while a natural fiber cross-section exhibits irregularities and variations in shape. When examining a cross-section of a synthetic fiber under a microscope, you will notice a consistent pattern or arrangement of fibers due to the manufacturing method. In contrast, natural fibers show variations in shape and structure, reflecting their organic origins and different manufacturing processes.