Write the molecular formula for an alkane with 5 C atoms.

• A. $C_5H_{12}$
• B. $C_5H_{10}$
• C. $C_5H_{14}$
• D. $C_5H_8$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that alkanes are hydrocarbons with only single bonds between carbon atoms, following the general formula C_nH_2n+2.
2. Identify the number of carbon atoms (C) in the alkane, which is given as 5.
3. Substitute the number of carbon atoms (n = 5) into the general formula for alkanes: C_nH_2n+2.
4. Calculate the number of hydrogen atoms (H) using the formula: H = 2n + 2. For n = 5, this becomes H = 2(5) + 2.
5. Write the molecular formula for the alkane by combining the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms: C₅H₁₂.