3.10 Alkanes - Properties & Combustion

Question 1

What are the first four alkanes?

Answer 1

Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane

Question 2

What is meant by a ‘homologous series’?

Answer 2

A homologous series is a family of molecules which share the same general formula and functional group. This means that they share similar chemical properties

Question 3

The shorter the carbon chains are, the more r______ they will be - that is, the less viscous (gloopy) they are

Answer 3

runny

Question 4

Molecules with shorter carbon chains are also more _________ because they have lower boiling points

Answer 4

volatile

Question 5

The shorter the carbon chains, the more f___________ the compounds will be

Answer 5

flammable

Question 6

What are compounds with short carbon chains and lower boiling points used as?

Answer 6

‘bottled gases’ - stored under pressure as liquids in bottles

Question 7

What bonds are the atoms in alkanes held together by?

Answer 7

Single covalent bonds

Question 8

What is the complete combustion of any carbon-based compound?

Answer 8

carbon-based compound + oxygen —> carbon dioxide water
During combustion, both the carbon and hydrogen are oxidised. Carbon-based compounds are used as fuels due to the amount of energy released when they combust completely

Question 9

Is the complete combustion of hydrocarbons an exothermic or endothermic reaction?

Answer 9

Exothermic