2007-03-23 15:54:37 · 3 answers · asked by z m 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Styrene is just a compound. Styrofoam uses styrene as well as other compounds like fillers and compounds to ensure long-term adhesion between molecules. So, it is natural that their densities vary.
2007-03-23 16:04:46 · answer #1 · answered by Tiger Tracks 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Styrene is a one organic molecule. It is also one monomer in a polymer called polystyrene. A polymer is basically a long chain made of one mononer linked up with another and another and another etc. It's a long chain of the same repeating unit. By itself, polystyrene is a clear rigid plastic, like the cases for CD's.
A styrofoam is also polystyrene. However, instead of using it as a solid like CD cases, styrofoam is a foam of polystyrene. It is basically the same polymer material except it is filled with bubbles of air. Imagine a bathtub of soap bubbles. Polystyrene is like that except instead of air bubbles in soap, styrofoam is air bubbles in polystyrene. You can imagine why liquid soap has different density than the foam. That's the same thing for polystyrene and styrofoam.
2007-03-23 17:29:07 · answer #2 · answered by Elisa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
z m,
Go with Elisa's answer.
2007-03-23 18:40:51 · answer #3 · answered by Scott S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋