Topic 6 - Alkanes

Question 1

are alkanes hydrocarbons?

Answer 1

yes - they’re chains of carbon atoms surrounded by hydrogen atoms

Question 2

what is the general formula for an alkane?

Answer 2

CₙH₂ₙ₊₂

Question 3

what is the molecular and structural formula for methane?

Answer 3

molecular: CH₄
structural: CH₄

Question 4

what is the molecular and structural formula for ethane?

Answer 4

molecular: C₂H₆
structural: CH₃CH₃

Question 5

what is the molecular and structural formula for propane?

Answer 5

molecular: C₃H₈
structural: CH₃CH₂CH₃

Question 6

what is the molecular and structural formula for butane?

Answer 6

molecular: C₄H₁₀
structural: CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃

Question 7

what is the molecular and structural formula for pentane?

Answer 7

molecular: C₅H₁₂
structural: CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃

Question 8

are alkanes saturated?

Answer 8

yes - there are only single bonds between the carbons

Question 9

do alkanes combust completely?

Answer 9

yes - in a good supply of oxygen

Question 10

what is the reaction between an alkane and a halogen called?

Answer 10

a substitution reaction - a hydrogen atom from the alkane is substituted with one of the halogens

Question 11

what is the word equation between methane and bromine?

Answer 11

methane + bromine = bromomethane + hydrogen bromide