What is typically observed in a polymer's structure?

Polymers are large molecules made up of repeating structural units known as monomers, which are covalently bonded together. This repetitive nature is a defining characteristic of polymers, leading to their unique properties and behaviors. The covalent bonds linking these monomers give the polymer its overall structure and stability.

In contrast, a random arrangement of atoms would not accurately describe the organized nature of polymers, where the sequence and type of repeating units are crucial for determining the material's properties. A single covalent bond does not represent the complexity and size of polymers as they consist of many such bonds forming long chains or networks. Similarly, while some polymers can contain a mixture of elements, the description of polymers is not centered on a combination of metals and non-metals, but rather on their molecular structure and bonding. Thus, the focus on repetitive structural units linked by covalent bonds captures the essence of what defines a polymer.