Final answer:
Polymerization is the process of linking monomers together to form a polymer, which can occur through addition or condensation reactions. Monomers are the building blocks, and a 'segment of the polymer' is a part of the resultant large molecule, known as a polymer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polymerization is the chemical process by which monomers join together to form a polymer. This transformative process can occur through two primary types of reactions: addition polymerization and condensation polymerization. In addition polymerization, monomers add to each other, resulting in a polymer that includes all atoms of the starting monomers. For instance, ethylene can form polyethylene, a common plastic, through this process. In contrast, condensation polymerization involves combining monomers with the loss of a small molecule, often water, leading to the formation of polymers such as polyamides.
The term 'monomer' refers to the single, small molecule that can join with others to form a polymer. A 'segment of the polymer' is a part of this larger structure, indicating the repeating units derived from monomers. The large molecule created by this process is known as a polymer, an example of a macromolecule, which has a variety of applications, including the production of plastics, synthetic fibers, and biological polymers like DNA, RNA, and proteins.