Final answer:
Polymers are large molecules that contain hundreds to thousands or even millions of atoms, and vary greatly in size and properties depending on the types of monomers that make them up. The correct answer to the number of atoms in a polymer is option D: Thousands.
Step-by-step explanation:
Polymers are large, complex molecules made up of many smaller, repeating units known as monomers. So, when addressing the question of how many atoms are in a polymer, we should understand that polymers can contain hundreds to thousands or even millions of atoms.
These macromolecules are the backbone of various materials like plastic containers, clothing textiles, and other consumer goods, having intricate structures and a wide array of physical properties.
The size of a polymer can vary greatly, which determines its properties and usages. For example, polyethylene, usual in plastic bags, consists of long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms, whereas polystyrene is used in styrofoam and other packaging materials.
Biological polymers like proteins and DNA play crucial roles in living organisms, impacting structure, function, and genetic information. Hence, the correct answer to the question is option D: Thousands.