End-to-end vector

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-003913",
  "term": "End-to-end vector",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A vector connecting the two terminal atoms of a polymer chain, representing the spatial separation between its ends. This vector is a key parameter in characterizing the conformation and dimensions of a polymer in solution or in the melt. Its mean-square value, <R^2>, is directly related to the polymer's size and flexibility.",
  "subject": "Polymer",
  "see_also": [
    "conformation",
    "linear polymer"
  ],
  "references": [
    "Purple Book, 1st ed., p. 49 (http://old.iupac.org/publications/books/author/metanomski.html)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/end-to-end-vector/"
}