Name______Class______Date______

Student Questions: Chemistry Helps Athlete Keep Moving

Please answer with complete sentences.

  1. Why did Chandler’s parents agree to have his leg amputated when he was just 18 months old?
  1. Why are a prosthetic leg and foot separate, instead of making one prosthetic leg/foot combination?
  1. List three requirements for a prosthetic leg, to ensure it will last.
  1. List the properties of silicone elastomers that make them suitable for use as the liner for a prosthetic limb.
  1. What are these silicone polymers made of?
  1. What property makes titanium biocompatible?
  1. Describe the results of the two heating processes, the first at 300 oC and the second at 400–600 oC, using polyacrylonitrile to make carbon fibers.
  1. What is done to the carbon fibers manufactured according to the above process to make them a strong material?
  1. Describe osseointegration.
  1. Considering all the benefits of an implant mentioned in the article, was this type of prosthetic leg the best option for Chandler’s situation? Why or why not?

Directions: As you read the article, complete the graphic organizer below to explain the chemistry of prosthetics..

Where is it used in the prosthesis? / Chemical Structure or Description / Properties
Silicone elastomer
Titanium
Carbon fibers

Summary: Write a one-sentence summary (18 word limit) explaining the importance of chemistry in designing prosthetics.

Anticipation Guide

Directions: Before reading, in the first column, write “A” or “D,” indicating your agreement or disagreement with each statement. As you read, compare your opinions with information from the article. In the space under each statement, cite information from the article that supports or refutes your original ideas.

Me / Text / Statement
  1. Children who need prosthetics have to be refitted every year.

  1. Running using a prosthetic leg without a knee is similar to using a prosthetic leg with a knee.

  1. Prosthetic legs with knees have the same structure as those without knees, except for the knee joint and rotator.

  1. The gel liner in a prosthetic leg consists of long molecules containing silicon, oxygen, and carbon.

  1. Materials used in prosthetic legs must be compatible with living tissue.

  1. Carbon fibers are stronger than titanium.

  1. Adding heat can cause polymers to rearrange their bonding pattern.

  1. A carbon fiber-reinforced composite contains only carbon.

  1. When titanium bolts are integrated to bone, the growth of new bone and blood vessels is encouraged.

  1. Titanium bolts are preferred for people who participate in sports activities.