Typical coil/particle size of polymer molecules: choose the most appropriate order-of-magnitude size range (in metres) often cited for macromolecular dimensions in bulk/solution states.

Introduction / Context:
Polymer “size” depends on context: contour length of a chain, radius of gyration of a coil in solution, or effective hydrodynamic diameter in a dispersion. In many textbook MCQs, an order-of-magnitude estimate is requested to develop intuition for macromolecular dimensions as they relate to colloidal scales and processing behavior.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We target an order-of-magnitude range for common coil/aggregate scales, not atomic bond lengths.
• Polymer coils and aggregates can span submicron to micron scales, especially in concentrated solutions, gels, or latexes.
• The question adopts conventional exam ranges rather than precise values for any specific polymer/solvent pair.

Concept / Approach:
Molecular dimensions at the scale of individual chains in good solvents can be tens of nanometres, but practical measurements in processing (e.g., latex particles, micelles, or coil aggregates) frequently land in the 10^-7 to 10^-4 m window (0.1 micrometre to 100 micrometres) depending on aggregation and measurement technique. Therefore, among the provided discrete bands, 10^-4 to 10^-7 m is the best conventional pick for polymer-related “particle/coil” scales highlighted in many exam syllabi.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Review each range vs. colloidal/micron scales.Eliminate ranges that are too macroscopic (10^-1 to 10^-2 m) or too atomic (10^-10 m).Select 10^-4 to 10^-7 m as a representative, syllabus-aligned range.

Verification / Alternative check:
Light scattering and microscopy studies often report coil radii and aggregate sizes in the submicron-to-micron region, consistent with the chosen band.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
10^-2 to 10^-5 m: includes centimetre scales; too large for molecular/coil dimensions.10^-1 to 10^-2 m: macroscopic.10^-8 to 10^-10 m: mostly atomic/nanoscale limits; too small for many practical coil/aggregate measures.10^-6 to 10^-9 m overlaps a portion but is narrower than the typical exam band presented.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing single-chain radius of gyration with latex particle diameters; context matters.

Final Answer:
10^-4 to 10^-7 m