hydrocarbons Flashcards
What are hydrocarbons?
Compounds formed from carbon and hydrogen atoms only
Hydrocarbons can be classified into different types, including alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.
What is the general formula for alkanes?
CnH2n+2
This formula indicates that for every n carbon atoms, there are 2n + 2 hydrogen atoms.
What type of bonds do alkanes contain?
C-C and C-H single bonds
Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they contain the maximum number of hydrogen atoms.
List the first four alkanes.
- Methane
- Ethane
- Propane
- Butane
Their molecular formulas are CH4, C2H6, C3H8, and C4H10 respectively.
What is the molecular formula for methane?
CH4
Methane is the simplest alkane and is a key component of natural gas.
What is the molecular formula for ethane?
C2H6
Ethane is commonly used as a fuel and in the production of ethylene.
What is the molecular formula for propane?
C3H8
Propane is widely used as a fuel for heating and cooking.
What is the molecular formula for butane?
C4H10
Butane is often used as a fuel in lighters and portable stoves.
What occurs during complete combustion of hydrocarbons?
Releases lots of energy, producing carbon dioxide and water vapour
Complete combustion requires a plentiful supply of oxygen.
What are the waste products of complete combustion?
- Carbon dioxide
- Water vapour
These products are less harmful than those produced during incomplete combustion.
What happens to carbon and hydrogen during combustion?
Both are oxidised
Oxidation is defined as the gain of oxygen.
Fill in the blank: Hydrocarbon + oxygen —- _______ and water vapour.
carbon dioxide
This reaction is fundamental to understanding combustion processes.
What is required to write a balanced symbol equation for combustion?
The molecular formula of the hydrocarbon
Balancing the equation is crucial for understanding the stoichiometry of the reaction.
