Differentiate between rubbers and plastics on the basis of intermolecular forces.

Explanation

Rubber is a natural polymer which possess elastic properties. It is a linear polymer of isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene). In natural rubber, cis-polyisoprene molecules consists of various chains held together by weak van der Waal.s interaction and has coiling structure. So, it can be stretched like a spring and it regain its original shape after force is released.

Plastics are synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers of organic compounds which possess intermediate intermolecular forces of attraction. It has linear structure that can be moulded but cannot regain its original shape after stretching is over.