Question detail
Why is ethene the first member of the alkene homologous series?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Reactions of alkenes and alcohols (chemistry only)
Question
- A. It has two carbon atoms and can contain a carbon-carbon double bond
- B. It has one carbon atom and no carbon-carbon bond
- C. It contains oxygen as well as carbon and hydrogen
- D. It is saturated and follows CnH2n+2
Answer
The correct option is It has two carbon atoms and can contain a carbon-carbon double bond. Ethene is the first alkene because a carbon-carbon double bond requires two carbon atoms.
Explanation
The correct option is It has two carbon atoms and can contain a carbon-carbon double bond. Methene is not a normal first member because one carbon atom cannot form a carbon-carbon double bond. Ethene, C2H4, is therefore the first alkene. Oxygen-containing compounds are different organic families, and saturated CnH2n+2 compounds are alkanes.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Alkenes
Students often confuse alkenes with alkanes, thinking both are saturated hydrocarbons.
Remember that alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons due to the presence of a double carbon-carbon bond, while alkanes are saturated and contain only single bonds.
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