Low density polythene (LDP) is used in the insulation of electricity carrying wires and manufacture of flexible pipes and squeeze bottles because

Options

A. it is tough , hard and rigid
B. it is chemically inert , tough , flexible and poor conductor of electricity
C. it is very tough , good conductor of electricity and flexible
D. it is chemically inert , very soft , water absorbent and poor conductor of heat .

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Low-Density Polythene (LDP):**
- Low-density polythene (LDP) is a type of polymer made from the polymerization of ethylene (C2H4) molecules.
- It is produced through a free radical mechanism, often in the presence of a peroxide catalyst.

2. **Properties of Low-Density Polythene:**
- LDP has a branched structure which results in a lower density compared to high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
- This structure gives LDP its unique properties: it is flexible, chemically inert, and a poor conductor of electricity.

3. **Applications of LDP:**
- Due to its flexibility, LDP is ideal for manufacturing flexible pipes and squeeze bottles.
- Its property of being a poor conductor of electricity makes it suitable for insulating electricity-carrying wires.

4. **Comparison with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE):**
- HDPE is produced using Ziegler-Natta catalysts and has a more linear structure, making it tougher and more rigid.
- Unlike LDP, HDPE is not suitable for applications requiring flexibility or electrical insulation.

5. **Conclusion:**
- The correct reason for using low-density polythene in the insulation of electricity-carrying wires and in the manufacture of flexible pipes and squeeze bottles is that it is chemically inert, flexible, and a poor conductor of electricity.

**Final Answer:**
Low-density polythene (LDP) is used in the insulation of electricity-carrying wires and the manufacture of flexible pipes and squeeze bottles because it is chemically inert, flexible, and a poor conductor of electricity.

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