PSI Texas State Board Nail Tech practice exam

What chemical change occurs in nail products to create enhancements?

1. Oxidation

2. Emulsification

3. Polymerization

4. Evaporation

The correct answer is: Polymerization

Nail enhancements, such as gels and acrylics, involve a chemical change known as polymerization. This process occurs when monomers, which are small molecules, chemically bond together to form a larger, more complex structure called a polymer. In the case of nail products, the polymerization reaction is typically initiated by a catalyst or through exposure to certain wavelengths of light, depending on the type of product being used. Through polymerization, the individual components in nail products undergo a transformation, resulting in a durable and resilient enhancement that can mimic the appearance of natural nails while offering additional strength and flexibility. This process is fundamental in the creation of not only nail enhancements but also many other synthetic materials used in a variety of industries. While oxidation, emulsification, and evaporation play roles in other chemical processes, they do not specifically pertain to the creation of nail enhancements through the bonding and hardening that polymerization provides. This makes polymerization the key process involved in achieving the desired structural integrity and aesthetic qualities in nail products.