Nail Technology Program

Chapter 5: Nail Product Chemistry

Monomers, Polymers, Adhesion, Curing & Safety|37 Questions|Board Exam Prep

Student Name

Date

Instructor

Score

Vocabulary Matching

Match each numbered term with the correct lettered definition.

Terms

1.Monomer

2.Polymer

3.Catalyst

4.Adhesion

5.Polymerization

6.Curing

7.Photoinitiator

8.Overexposure

9.SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

10.Evaporation coating

Definitions

A.A chemical that speeds up a reaction without being consumed in the process

B.A single molecule that can be joined with other identical molecules to form a chain

C.A large molecule formed by joining many monomers together in a chemical chain

D.A document that provides detailed safety, handling, and hazard information about a product

E.The process of hardening a gel product using UV or LED light energy

F.The chemical process of joining monomers together to form polymer chains

G.The force that holds two surfaces together, such as a nail enhancement to the natural nail

H.A chemical compound in gel products that reacts to UV/LED light to start the curing process

I.A type of nail coating (like polish) that hardens as its solvents evaporate into the air

J.Prolonged or repeated contact with a product that can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions

Fill in the Blank

Complete each statement with the correct term or phrase.

Question 11Fill in the Blank

In acrylic nail systems, the liquid is the and the powder is the polymer.

Question 12Fill in the Blank

Gel nail products are cured (hardened) using or LED light.

Question 13Fill in the Blank

The chemical process of joining monomers together into long chains is called .

Question 14Fill in the Blank

Repeated skin contact with nail product chemicals without proper protection can lead to and allergic reactions.

Question 15Fill in the Blank

An SDS (Safety Data Sheet) provides information about a product's , handling procedures, and first aid measures.

Question 16Fill in the Blank

The exothermic reaction during acrylic polymerization releases , which the client may feel as warmth on the nail.

Question 17Fill in the Blank

Nail primers improve adhesion by creating a bond between the natural nail and the product.

Question 18Fill in the Blank

LED lamps cure gel products than UV lamps because they emit a narrower, more concentrated wavelength of light.

Multiple Choice

Select the best answer for each board-exam style question.

Question 19Multiple Choice

In acrylic nail systems, the liquid monomer is typically:

A. Acetone

B. Ethyl methacrylate (EMA)

C. Methyl methacrylate (MMA)

D. Cyanoacrylate

Question 20Multiple Choice

MMA (methyl methacrylate) is dangerous in nail products because it:

A. Dries too slowly

B. Can cause severe allergic reactions and does not break away cleanly during trauma

C. Is too expensive for salon use

D. Cannot be used with colored powders

Question 21Multiple Choice

The primary purpose of a nail primer is to:

A. Dissolve the nail plate for better penetration

B. Improve adhesion between the natural nail and the enhancement product

C. Speed up the curing process

D. Add color to the nail enhancement

Question 22Multiple Choice

What type of chemical reaction occurs during acrylic polymerization?

A. Endothermic (absorbs heat)

B. Exothermic (releases heat)

C. Isothermic (no temperature change)

D. Evaporative

Question 23Multiple Choice

UV gel nails cure when exposed to UV light because of a chemical called a:

A. Catalyst

B. Monomer

C. Photoinitiator

D. Solvent

Question 24Multiple Choice

The best way to prevent overexposure to nail product chemicals is to:

A. Work faster to reduce exposure time

B. Use proper ventilation, wear gloves, and avoid skin contact with products

C. Only use products during morning hours

D. Apply more product at once to reduce application frequency

Question 25Multiple Choice

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is required by law for:

A. Only products that are flammable

B. Every professional chemical product used in the salon

C. Only products sold to consumers

D. Products that contain no chemicals

Question 26Multiple Choice

Cyanoacrylate is the main ingredient found in:

A. Acrylic liquid monomer

B. Nail polish remover

C. Nail adhesive (nail glue)

D. UV gel base coat

True / False

Write T for True or F for False in the blank.

Question 27True / False

A monomer is a large molecule made of many small molecules linked together.

Question 28True / False

MMA (methyl methacrylate) is the safe, approved monomer used in professional nail salons.

Question 29True / False

LED lamps cure gel nails faster than UV lamps.

Question 30True / False

Nail technicians do not need to be concerned about ventilation because nail products are safe.

Question 31True / False

An exothermic reaction releases heat, which is why clients sometimes feel warmth during acrylic application.

Question 32True / False

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) only needs to be available when a state inspector visits.

Question 33True / False

Overexposure to nail chemicals can develop over time, even if no reaction is noticed initially.

Question 34True / False

Traditional nail polish dries through a chemical curing process under UV light.

Short Answer

Answer each question in 2-3 complete sentences.

Question 35Short Answer

Explain the difference between monomers and polymers, and describe how polymerization occurs in acrylic nail systems.

Question 36Short Answer

Describe the concept of overexposure in nail product chemistry and explain three steps a nail technician can take to prevent it.

Question 37Short Answer

Compare UV curing and LED curing for gel nails. What is the role of the photoinitiator in each, and what are the advantages of LED?