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Multiple Choice
What is the condensed structural formula for an alkane with four carbon atoms?
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1
Recall that alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with the general molecular formula \(C_nH_{2n+2}\), where \(n\) is the number of carbon atoms.
Identify the number of carbon atoms given in the problem, which is 4 in this case, so \(n = 4\).
Apply the alkane formula to find the number of hydrogen atoms: \(H = 2 \times 4 + 2\).
Calculate the hydrogen count without finalizing the number, so the molecular formula is \(C_4H_{2 \times 4 + 2}\).
Write the condensed structural formula by arranging the carbon atoms in a chain and attaching the appropriate number of hydrogens to satisfy the valency of carbon (4 bonds each), resulting in a formula like \(CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_3\).