Polymer Molecular Mass Averages

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts regarding Polymer Molecular Mass Averages, helping to prepare for an exam.

Polymer

A large molecule composed of many repeated subunits (monomers).

Molecular Mass Average

A way to express the average mass of a collection of macromolecules.

Molar Mass (Mi)

The mass of one mole of a given macromolecule, typically expressed in g/mol.

Number of Molecules (Ni)

The count of individual molecules present in a polymer sample.

Weight of macromolecules (Wi)

Calculated as Wi = NiMi, indicating the total mass of molecules with a given molar mass.

Distribution of Molar Mass

The variation of macromolecule amounts based on their molar masses in a polymer sample.

Repeat Units

The repeating sections within a polymer chain contributing to its overall structure.

Number Average Molecular Mass (Mn)

An average calculated by summing the contribution of each type of molecule based on its number.

Weight Average Molecular Mass (Mw)

An average determined using the weight contributions of molecules in the sample.

Dispersity (Ð)

The ratio of weight average to number average molecular masses, indicating the breadth of the molecular mass distribution.

Weight Fraction (wi)

The fraction of total weight represented by a specific type of macromolecule.

Number Fraction (ni)

The fraction of total number represented by a specific type of macromolecule.

SNi

The total number of molecules in a polymer sample.

SWi

The total weight of all macromolecules in a polymer sample.

Plotting Distribution

Graphically representing the distribution of macromolecule weights and numbers across different molar masses.