Question detail

If an alkane has the formula C_5H_{12}, what is the value of n in its general formula?

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

The subscript 5 in C_5H_{12} indicates there are five carbon atoms, so n=5.

General Formula Confusion

Students often confuse the general formula for alkanes with that of alkenes, stating it as CnH2n instead of CnH2n+2.

Remember that alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2, while alkenes are unsaturated with the formula CnH2n.

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