Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Alkanes
Alkanes are a class of hydrocarbons characterized by single bonds between carbon atoms. They follow the general formula CnH2n+2, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms. Alkanes are saturated compounds, meaning they contain the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible for a given number of carbon atoms.
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Straight-chain Alkanes
Straight-chain alkanes are alkanes in which the carbon atoms are arranged in a linear sequence without any branching. This structure affects their physical properties, such as boiling and melting points, which generally increase with the length of the carbon chain. Hexane, for example, is a straight-chain alkane with six carbon atoms.
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Condensed Structural Formula
The condensed structural formula is a way of representing a molecule that shows the arrangement of atoms without depicting all the bonds explicitly. For hexane, the condensed formula is written as C6H14, indicating that it contains six carbon atoms and fourteen hydrogen atoms. This format simplifies the representation of larger molecules while still conveying essential structural information.
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Condensed Formula Concept 1