Gum is stretchy primarily because of the polymers it contains. These polymers give gum its unique elastic and chewy properties.
Here's a breakdown:
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What are Polymers? Polymers are long chains of repeating molecules. Think of them as tiny, linked-together building blocks. In gum, these polymers are responsible for its stretchiness and chewiness.
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Elasticity: The polymer chains in gum are tangled and coiled. When you chew or stretch the gum, these chains can uncoil and extend. When you release the tension, they recoil back to their original tangled state, giving gum its elasticity.
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Hydrophobic Nature: The polymers in gum are hydrophobic, meaning they don't mix well with water. This is why gum doesn't dissolve in your mouth as you chew. The water and water-based substances in your saliva have little effect on the gum's structure.
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Other Ingredients: While polymers are the main contributor to stretchiness, other ingredients like resins, which act as plasticizers, contribute to the gum's overall texture and chewiness.
In summary, the combination of elastic polymers and their hydrophobic nature makes gum stretchy and allows you to chew it for an extended period without it falling apart.
