Question detail
Which property of hydrocarbons is most directly related to the number of carbon atoms in the molecule?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock
Question
- A. Colour
- B. Odour
- C. Viscosity
- D. Taste
Answer
Viscosity
Explanation
Viscosity increases with molecular size because larger molecules have more surface area for intermolecular forces, making the liquid thicker.
Common mistake
Misidentifying Hydrocarbon Types
Students often assume all hydrocarbons are alkanes and ignore the presence of alkenes and other unsaturated compounds in crude oil.
Remind students that crude oil contains a wide range of hydrocarbons, including alkanes, alkenes, and other unsaturated species; they should distinguish these by their general formulas (CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ for alkanes, CₙH₂ₙ for alkenes) and by recognising unsaturation through tests such as bromine water.
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