crude oil, hydrocarbons and alkanes Flashcards
1
Q
How is crude oil formed?
A
crude oil was formed from the remains of biomass consisting of many plankton (or other dead organisms) that was buried in mud
2
Q
What is the definition of a hydrocarbon?
A
a hydrocarbon is a compound containing only hydrogen and carbon
3
Q
What is crude oil?
A
crude oil is a mixture of a very large number of compounds, most of which are hydrocarbons
4
Q
What is the general formula of the alkanes?
A
CnH2n+2
5
Q
Name the first four members of the alkanes, starting from the simplest, and stating their formulas.
A
methane =CH4
ethane =C2H6
propane = C3H8
butane = C4H10
