Answers section

Questions 3.1(b)

Study the two examples given in Table 3.1(a); then complete Table 3.1(b). Table 3.1(b): The first nine alkanes
From Table 3.1(b), does the alkane in candle wax have a longer or shorter chain of carbon atoms than nonane? Explain your answer.
From the trend (or series) in Table 3.1(b), complete the general formula C_nH_- of alkanes, where n is the number of carbon atoms in a molecule.
Name the 10th member of the alkane family.

Answers to Questions 3.1(b)

The alkane in candle wax has molecules with longer chains of carbon than dodecane. Dodecane is a liquid and candle wax is a solid. But carbon chains become longer as we move from gaseous to liquid and solid alkanes (last column of the table).
C_nH₂_n+2.
Decane.