Which term refers to the reaction that links many small molecules into a larger polymer?

• A. Hydrogen bonding
• B. Oxidation
• C. Polymerization
• D. Fractionation

Answer: (C)

Polymerization is the process of linking many small molecules into a larger polymer. In nail enhancements, the liquid monomer and powdered polymer mix and undergo polymerization to form long polymer chains that harden into the solid enhancement. This reaction is a specific way that small units become a big, durable material, often triggered by a catalyst or light depending on the system. The other terms refer to different phenomena: hydrogen bonding is a weaker attraction between molecules, oxidation is the loss of electrons, and fractionation is a separation method. So polymerization is the term that best describes connecting small units into one large molecule.