Q12.108P

Question

How does the random coil shape relate to the radius of gyration of a polymer chain?

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer

To determine the size of the coiled chain polymer the radius of gyration is used.

1Step 1: Definition

 It is defined as the average distance between the center of mass of the molecule and the outer edge of the coil.

 

2Step 2: Concept


The radius of gyration of the macromolecule is more meaningful as 

it gives a sense of the size of the polymer coil, instead of the end-end distance.






Hence, the square radius of gyration is the average squared distance of any point in the object (polymer coil) from its center of mass.