Explain that alkenes are more reactive than alkanes.

In the subtopic Cracking and alkenes, this learning objective focuses on explain that alkenes are more reactive than alkanes. It sits within Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock for AQA GCSE Chemistry 8462 Unit 4.7 Organic chemistry, so the explanation must stay anchored to organic chemistry rather than becoming a generic carbon-compounds fact. Approved keywords to use include alkane, alkene. Alkane. means a saturated hydrocarbon with only single C–C bonds and the general formula CnH2n+2 Avoid the mistake of students often think that alkenes and alkanes have the same level of reactivity; instead, remember that alkenes are more reactive than alkanes due to the presence of a double bond, which allows them to participate in additional chemical reactions For exam answers, when answering questions about alkene vs alkane reactivity, first identify the bond type: alkenes have a C=C double bond while alkanes have only C–C single bonds. Recall that a double bond contains π‑bonding electrons that are more exposed and therefore more reactive. Use this fact to explain why alkenes undergo addition reactions more readily than alkanes Keep molecular formula, structural formula, displayed formula, and general formula distinct. Do not confuse alkanes with alkenes, saturated with unsaturated, cracking with combustion, polymers with monomers, or hydrocarbons with oxygen-containing alcohols and carboxylic acids. When formulae are used, preserve the stored notation exactly and explain the GCSE chemistry idea in words rather than using unsupported displayed-formula diagrams.