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Question

Consider the following:
I. Cigarette butts
II. Eyeglass lenses
III. Car tyres
How many of them contain plastic?

The correct answer is

All the three

Analyzing Everyday Items for Plastic Content

The question asks us to identify how many of the given items—cigarette butts, eyeglass lenses, and car tyres—contain plastic.

Examining Each Item for Plastic

1. Cigarette Butts

Most cigarette filters, which make up the majority of a cigarette butt, are made from a type of plastic called cellulose acetate. Cellulose acetate is a synthetic fiber derived from cellulose, but it is chemically modified and does not easily biodegrade in the environment. Therefore, cigarette butts contain plastic.

2. Eyeglass Lenses

Modern eyeglass lenses are commonly made from plastic materials. Popular choices include polycarbonate, CR-39 plastic (a type of thermosetting plastic), and high-index plastics. These materials are preferred for their lightness, impact resistance, and ability to be easily shaped. Glass lenses are still used, but plastic lenses are very widespread. So, eyeglass lenses frequently contain plastic.

3. Car Tyres

Car tyres are complex products made from a mix of materials. While the main component is rubber (both natural and synthetic), synthetic rubber itself is a polymer derived from petroleum, which is related to plastics. Furthermore, tyres contain various additives, fillers, and reinforcing materials. Crucially, the internal structure often includes cords made of nylon or polyester, which are types of plastic fibers. Therefore, car tyres contain plastic components.

Conclusion on Plastic Content

Based on the analysis:

  • Cigarette butts contain plastic (cellulose acetate filters).
  • Eyeglass lenses commonly contain plastic (polycarbonate, CR-39, high-index plastics).
  • Car tyres contain plastic (synthetic rubber components, nylon/polyester cords).

All three items listed contain plastic.

Determining the Number of Items Containing Plastic

Since cigarette butts, eyeglass lenses, and car tyres all contain plastic, the number of items containing plastic from the given list is three.

Thus, all the three items contain plastic.


Revision Table: Items and Plastic Content

Item Contains Plastic? Explanation
Cigarette butts Yes Filter is made of cellulose acetate, a plastic.
Eyeglass lenses Yes Often made of polycarbonate or other plastics.
Car tyres Yes Contain synthetic rubber and plastic cords (nylon/polyester).

Additional Information on Everyday Plastics

Plastic is a versatile material used in countless everyday items. It is essentially a polymer, a large molecule made up of repeating smaller units. Different types of plastics exist, each with unique properties:

  • Polyethylene (PE): Used in plastic bags, films, bottles.
  • Polypropylene (PP): Found in containers, fibers, car parts.
  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Used in pipes, window frames, cables.
  • Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): Common in drink bottles and clothing fibers.
  • Polystyrene (PS): Used in disposable cutlery, packaging foam.

Understanding which everyday items contain plastic is important for environmental awareness, especially regarding waste and recycling.

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Important Questions from GS (Miscellaneous)

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