Question detail

What is the general formula for alkanes?

Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.

Show answer Topic hub Objective page

At a glance

MCQ

Type

practice

Style

Topic

Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock

Question

A. CnH2n+2
B. CnH2n
C. C2nH2n+2
D. CnH2n-2

Answer

The correct option is CnH2n+2.

Explanation

The correct option is CnH2n+2. CnH2n+2 is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to explain that crude oil is the remains of an ancient biomass consisting mainly of plankton buried in mud. This belongs to Crude oil, hydrocarbons and alkanes within Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock, so the answer must use the correct organic chemistry context. The other options are incorrect when they confuse the organic family, formula type, reaction condition, product, or property being tested. 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.

Common mistake

Misunderstanding Crude Oil Formation

Students often think that crude oil is formed from just any organic material rather than specifically from ancient plankton buried in mud.

Emphasize that crude oil specifically originates from the remains of ancient biomass, primarily plankton, which were buried in mud over millions of years.

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