What is the shape of a polymer molecule in solution?

Answer 1

The shape a polymer molecule assumes in solution depends on the polymer-solvent combination, the polymer architecture, chemical groups along the backbone of the polymer chain, the polymer molecular weight, the temperature of the solution, the concentration/viscosity of the solution, the prescence of ions and if the solution is in a static or dynamic state e.g. under shear or in an electric field. This shape could be straight or random coil. The volume the shape assumes may be big or small (depending on the above mentioned parameters) and is more commonly referred to as the hydrodynamic volume. The hydrodynamic volume is used to study the molecular weight of polymers using a technique called size exclusion chromatography.

Answer 2

In solution, a polymer molecule can take on a coiled or extended conformation, depending on factors like solvent type, temperature, and molecular weight. At high temperatures or in poor solvents, the molecule tends to coil, while in good solvents or at lower temperatures, it can extend. Overall, the shape of a polymer molecule in solution is dynamic and influenced by various environmental conditions.