Question detail
A sample of an alcohol contains 12.0 g of carbon, 18.0 g of hydrogen and 2.0 g of oxygen. What is the molecular formula of the alcohol?
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. C₂H₆O
- B. C₃H₈O
- C. C₄H₁₀O
- D. C₅H₁₂O
Answer
The correct option is C₂H₆O.
Explanation
The correct option is C₂H₆O. C₂H₆O is correct because it directly supports the approved learning objective to represent alcohols in displayed, structural and molecular formula forms. This belongs to Alcohols within Reactions of alkenes and alcohols (chemistry only), 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
Misunderstanding Alcohol Representation
Students often confuse the displayed formula of alcohols with their structural formula, leading to incorrect representations.
Review the definitions and examples of displayed and structural formulas to ensure clear differentiation between the two.
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