Differentiate between rubbers and plastics on the basis of intermolecular forces.
| Rubber | Plastics |
| The molecule consists of chains held together by weak Van Der Waals interaction. | Intermolecular forces of attraction intermediate between elastomers and fibre. |
| Coiled structure | Linear or slightly branched long chain |
| Returns to its original shape, size and length after being stretched. | Not really elastic in nature but capable of softening on heating and hardening on cooling. |