Q1: Exposure to __________ accelarates the degradation of plastics.

ANS:A - ultraviolet radiation

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation accelerates the degradation of plastics. Ultraviolet radiation, which is present in sunlight, can cause photochemical degradation of plastics over time. UV radiation interacts with the polymer chains in plastics, breaking chemical bonds and leading to a variety of degradation mechanisms, including chain scission, cross-linking, oxidation, and discoloration. Plastics that are exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight or outdoor environments without adequate UV stabilizers or protective coatings are particularly susceptible to UV-induced degradation. This degradation can manifest as embrittlement, loss of mechanical strength, surface cracking, color fading, and overall deterioration of physical properties. Therefore, UV protection measures such as adding UV stabilizers to plastics, applying protective coatings, or storing plastics away from direct sunlight can help mitigate the effects of UV-induced degradation and prolong the lifespan of plastic materials.