Lately the pressure is on manufacturers to provide more information about what exactly they use to make these goods. Many people are surpised to learn that some products they use every day are made from synthetic or artifical ingredients.
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Question 2 of 21
Styrene butadiene serves as a synthetic version of what common material?
leather
diamonds
rubber
...
During World War II, synthetic rubber allowed the United States to continue producing tires when natural rubber supplies were cut off.
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Question 3 of 21
In what year was the first artificial fiber created?
1995
1955
1885
...
In 1885, scientists developed rayon, a synthetic alternative to natural silk.
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Question 4 of 21
At the 1964 Chicago World's Fair, DuPont introduced Corfam, a synthetic version of this material.
rubber
leather
diamonds
...
Some people still prefer Corfam to leather because of its super-shiny surface.
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Question 5 of 21
Some building wraps may look like paper, but they're really made from Olefin fibers, which are derived from this source.
petroleum
concrete
wool
...
The petroleum-based wrap allows water vapor in the air to exit, but keeps rain out to prevent rot and mold.
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Question 6 of 21
What newly developed stretchy fabric was used to make parachutes during World War II?
rayon
nylon
Spandex
...
Nylon is prized for its flexible, yet strong, design.
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Question 7 of 21
Skip the gold and silver! What modern synthetic can be used to make natural-looking dental implants?
Bakelite
graphite
bisphenol
...
Unlike traditional implants, composite materials like bisphenol can be colored to match your teeth perfectly.
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Question 8 of 21
What Teflon-coated fabrics are designed to breathe while still keeping the wearer completely dry?
Kevlar
Gore-Tex
Spandex
...
Gore-Tex serves as a common material for camping gear and other outdoor wear.
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Question 9 of 21
Composite lumber products look just like wood, but they're actually made from a blend of wood flour and this synthetic.
polystyrene
polyethylene
cellulose
...
Composite wood made with polyethylene won't rot or warp over time, yet it can be tough to distinguish from the real thing, even up close.
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Question 10 of 21
When did manufacturers first produce saccharin, the first sugar substitute?
1829
1879
1929
...
Although it was introduced in 1879, saccharin didn't really take off with the public until World War I and World War II created sugar shortages.
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Question 11 of 21
At the start of the 20th century, jewelry and household items made from this synthetic plastic were in high demand.
nylon
Bakelite
graphite
...
Today, collectors seek out Bakelite jewelry for its retro flair.
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Question 12 of 21
Which synthetic fabric, developed in 1959, is known for its high elasticity?
Spandex
nylon
rayon
...
Spandex was the first fiber that could stretch out to 100 percent of its original size, then snap back without damage.
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Question 13 of 21
When did the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve the first completely artificial heart?
2004
1984
1964
...
During a test study performed from 1994 to 2004, 79 percent of patients survived the transplant surgery, and the heart was officially approved.
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Question 14 of 21
While most synthetic fabrics are made from petroleum byproducts, lyocell fibers are derived from this.
graphite
recycled bottles
wood pulp
...
Lyocell consists of finely spun fibers of cellulose made from wood scraps.
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Question 15 of 21
At the end of the 19th century, scientists developed a synthetic version of this material, which is used to make tennis rackets.
aluminum
Bakelite
graphite
...
Graphite is valued for its incredible strength and durability.
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Question 16 of 21
What common building material was developed in 1938 by Owens Corning?
vinyl siding
ceramic tile
fiberglass insulation
...
Fiberglass insulation helps to improve energy efficiency and cut energy costs.
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Question 17 of 21
What synthetic material was originally known as Chemgrass?
Astroturf
fiberglass
olefin
...
The name was changed to Astroturf in 1967 after the product was successfully installed in the Houston Astrodome.
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Question 18 of 21
Which of these synthetic fibers has a strength that's five times greater than steel?
nylon
Kevlar
Bakelite
...
Since 1965, Kevlar has been incorporated into racing wheels and body armor.
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Question 19 of 21
What plant serves as a base ingredient in most artificial meat products?
soy
corn
apples
...
Soy is used to make textured vegetable protein, which is used in most faux burgers, chicken and hot dogs.
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Question 20 of 21
This diamond substitute is made from artificial silicon carbide.
cubic zirconia
moissanite
Kevlar
...
Some moissanite is used to make jewelry, but most is used to create abrasives and cutting tools.
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Question 21 of 21
Scientists use this term to describe meat grown in a lab instead of on a farm.
in-vitro meat
lyocell
vegi-meat
...
Researchers start with stem cells to create slabs of "in-vitro meat" without the animal.
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