The reaction that occurs when monomer and polymer combine is known as what?

The correct answer is polymerization, which refers to the chemical process that occurs when monomers—small, reactive molecules—join together to form a larger molecule called a polymer. This reaction is fundamental in creating substances like plastics and resins that are commonly used in nail products, such as acrylic nails.

Polymerization involves a series of steps where the monomers undergo chemical reactions, often facilitated by heat or chemical catalysts, leading to long chains or networks of repeating units. This process is crucial in the nail technology industry, as understanding polymerization helps nail technicians know how different products react and what to expect during application processes.

Other terms such as oxidation, synthesis, and evaporation describe different chemical processes. Oxidation refers to the loss of electrons during a reaction, synthesis involves combining simpler substances to form a more complex product but doesn't specifically address the nature of the monomer-polymer relationship, and evaporation is the transition from liquid to gas and does not involve polymer formation. Thus, polymerization is the precise term that captures the essence of combining monomers to create polymers.