C6.2.1 - Alkanes

Question 1

What is a hydrocarbon?

Answer 1

A compound that only contains hydrogen and carbon atoms

Question 2

Why do alkanes form a homologous series?

Answer 2

They have the same general formula

Their carbon atoms are joined to each other by single covalent bonds. (They are all saturated)

Question 3

What is the general formula for alkanes?

Answer 3

CnH2n+2

Question 4

Name the first 4 alkanes

Answer 4

Methane
Ethane
Propane
Butane

Question 5

How many bonds do carbon atoms form?

Answer 5

4

Question 6

How many bonds do hydrogen atoms form?

Answer 6

1

Question 7

What happens in the complete combustion of an alkane?

Answer 7

There is a plentiful supply of oxygen so the carbon atoms are oxidised to carbon dioxide and the hydrogen atoms are oxidised to water

Question 8

How does an incomplete combustion take place and what does it form?

Answer 8

When there is a poor supply of oxygen

Carbon is only oxidised to carbon monoxide or not oxidised at all