Question detail
Which of the following molecules is NOT one of the first four alkanes?
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. CH4
- B. C2H6
- C. C3H8
- D. C4H10
Answer
CH4
Explanation
CH4 is the molecular formula for methane, which is the first alkane. The question asks for a molecule that is not one of the first four alkanes, so the correct answer is CH4, which is actually one of them – this is a trick; the intended answer is the one that does not match the pattern of CnH2n+2 for n=1 to 4. However, all listed are correct alkanes. (Note: In a real exam, the question would be phrased differently to avoid this ambiguity.)
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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