Which of the following best describes linear polymers?

Linear polymers are characterized by their structure, which consists of long, unbranched chains formed by repeating units or monomers. This linear arrangement allows the polymer chains to be arranged in a parallel formation, leading to unique physical properties such as high tensile strength and flexibility.

The unbranched nature of these chains is critical to their behavior, particularly when it comes to processing and applications. For instance, linear polymers can be melted and reshaped when heat is applied. This contrasts with other types of polymers, such as branched or cross-linked structures, which do not exhibit the same malleability.

Understanding the structure of linear polymers helps in anticipating how they will behave under stress, temperature changes, and during processing, which is essential knowledge in fields like materials science and engineering.