What is the difference between acrylic and gel nail systems in terms of polymerization?

• A. Acrylic cures with UV light; Gel cures in air
• B. Acrylic polymerizes through a chemical reaction when powder and monomer mix; Gel requires light activation (UV/LED)
• C. Both cure via air drying
• D. Acrylic uses heat; Gel uses cold cure

Answer: (B)

Polymerization in these systems happens by two different mechanisms, which is exactly what distinguishes them. Acrylics cure through a chemical reaction when the liquid monomer mixes with the polymer powder, forming long polymer chains and setting without the need for light. Gels, on the other hand, contain photoinitiators and harden only when activated by light—UV or LED—causing the polymer chains to crosslink and cure. So the acrylic approach is chemical curing from the mix itself, while gel curing is light-activated polymerization. That’s why this description fits best: acrylic polymerizes chemically when the powder and liquid combine, and gel requires light activation to polymerize. The other ideas don’t fit because acrylics don’t cure with UV light, gels don’t cure simply by air exposure, and neither system is defined by heat or cold curing in standard practice.