Question detail

Which of the following lists the first four members of the alkane series in the correct order of increasing carbon atoms?

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

  1. A. methane, ethane, propane, butane
  2. B. ethane, methane, propane, butane
  3. C. methane, propane, ethane, butane
  4. D. butane, propane, ethane, methane

Answer

The correct option is methane, ethane, propane, butane.

Explanation

The correct option is methane, ethane, propane, butane. methane, ethane, propane, butane is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to recall the first four members of the alkanes as methane, ethane, propane and butane. 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

Naming Alkanes

Students often confuse the names of the first four alkanes, sometimes mixing them up or omitting one.

To fix this, create a mnemonic or a song to remember the order: Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane. Regularly practice writing and reciting their names.

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