Which of the following is known as artificial silk?
a.) Rayon
b.) Nylon
c.) Polyester
d.) Acrylic

Hint: Rayon is obtained by chemical treatment of wood pulp. It is a man-made fiber. It can be woven like silk fibers. The appearance of Rayon is similar to silk. Nylon thread is stronger than a steel wire. Fabric made from polyester fiber does not get wrinkled easily. Properties of Acrylic are similar to wool and are used to prepare sweaters and shawls.

Complete step by step answer:
Rayon:
Silk fiber obtained from silkworm has a beautiful texture and is expensive.
 Hence, cheap synthetic fiber having properties similar to silk was prepared by chemical treatment of wood pulp. This synthetic fiber is more durable than natural silk and is called Rayon.

Nylon:
Nylon is a synthetic fiber made from coal, water and air.
Nylon is strong, elastic and light.
It is lustrous and easy to wash. Hence, it is used to prepare socks, ropes, tents, toothbrushes, car seat belts, sleeping bags and curtains.

Acrylic:
Wool obtained from natural sources are quite expensive. Hence a cheap synthetic fiber which has a variety of colors is prepared which resemble wool, these synthetic fibers are called Acrylic.
They are used in the manufacturing of winter wear like blankets and sweaters.

Polyester:
Polyester is synthetic fiber made up of repeating units of esters.
It is quite suitable for making dress material as it is easy to wash and remains crisp.
Terylene and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) are some of the popular polyesters.
From the above points we can conclude that Rayon is called artificial silk.
So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note: Fibers obtained from natural sources like plants and animals are called natural fibers. Synthetic fibers are made by human beings in laboratories and are also called man-made fibers. Synthetic fiber is a polymer formed by a repeating unit of chemical substance called a monomer. cheap synthetic fiber having properties similar to silk was prepared by chemical treatment of wood pulp. This synthetic fiber is more durable than natural silk and is called Rayon.