The individual molecules that join together to form polymers are called?

• A. Polymers
• B. Oligomers
• C. Monomers
• D. Additives

Answer: (C)

Monomers are the basic building blocks that join together to form polymers. They are individual molecules that bond to create long chains made of repeating units, which is what a polymer is. Different monomers build different polymers with distinct properties—ethylene monomers form polyethylene, for example, while amino acids join to make proteins.

In nail technology, acrylic systems rely on monomer liquids that polymerize with powders to form a solid film, illustrating how monomers link to create a durable polymer structure. Oligomers are shorter chains, and additives are substances added to modify properties but are not the repeating building blocks themselves.