Nature's Chemistry - Hydrocarbons

Question 1

Define a Hydrocarbon

Answer 1

A hydrocarbon is a compound that only contains carbon and hydrogen.

Question 2

Name all 4 of the hydrocarbon families

Answer 2

1. Alkanes
2. Alkenes
3. Alkynes
4. Aromatics

Question 3

What is the simplest hydrocarbon family called?

Answer 3

The Alkanes

Question 4

Name the first 10 alkanes of the Alkane family.

Answer 4

1. Methane
2. Ethane
3. Propane
4. Butane
5. Pentane
6. Hexane
7. Heptane
8. Octane
9. Nonane
10. Decane

Question 5

Describe the shape of a methane molecule

Answer 5

A methane molecule is tetrahedral

Question 6

Name the 4 trends that occur with the carbon chains in hydrocarbons?

Answer 6

1. The boiling point of each chain increases with length.
2. Shorter alkanes are more volatile (they evaporate more easily due to their low boiling points)
3. Longer alkanes are more viscous
4. Shorter alkanes are more flammable

Question 7

Define the term ‘viscous’

Answer 7

Viscous means how thick/sticky a fluid is