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Learning objective

Explain that alkanes are mostly unreactive, with the exception of their combustion reactions.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

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Exam focus

  • Read the explanation.
  • Check key terms.
  • Practise with linked questions.
Cambridge IGCSE Combined ScienceOrganic chemistryCore content

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Quick explanation

Explain that alkanes are mostly unreactive, with the exception of their combustion reactions

  • This point belongs to Alkanes, especially Alkanes outcomes.
  • You need to be able to explain that alkanes are mostly unreactive, with the exception of their combustion reactions.
  • The key ideas to know are Describe and Explain.
  • Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DescribeExplain

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This objective helps connect Alkanes outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Alkanes.

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Paper 3 structured question: Alkanes

Paper 3Theory (Core)2 marks

Description

Reactivity of Alkanes

Alkanes primarily undergo combustion reactions when they react with oxygen.

  1. a

    Explain why alkanes are mostly unreactive except during combustion.

    Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.

    [2]
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