Differentiating between polycarbonate and acrylic involves several physical and chemical tests. Polycarbonate is extremely impact-resistant and virtually unbreakable under normal stress, whereas acrylic (Plexiglas) is more rigid and prone to shattering or cracking cleanly under heavy impact. Additionally, when flexed, polycarbonate bends easily without snapping, while acrylic has very little flex. Scratch tests show acrylic scratches somewhat more easily, and edge coloration or burn testing reveals distinct odor and flame characteristics unique to each polymer type.