U3-1-1 - Skeletal Formulae

Question 1

How can you tell the number of carbons in this structure?

Answer 1

Count each ‘kink’ on the zigzag, including the ends.

This structure has 7 carbons.

Question 2

How can you tell how many hydrogens are atached to the circled carbon?

Answer 2

No. of H = 4 – No. of bonds made

This carbon makes 3 bonds, so must have 1 H.