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

• A. C₅H₁₂
• B. C₅H₁₀
• C. C₅H₁₄
• D. C₅H₈

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that alkanes are hydrocarbons with only single bonds between carbon atoms. The general formula for alkanes is C_nH_{2n+2}, where n is the number of carbon atoms.
2. Identify the number of carbon atoms in the alkane. In this problem, the alkane has 5 carbon atoms, so n = 5.
3. Apply the general formula for alkanes: C_nH_{2n+2}. Substitute n = 5 into the formula to find the number of hydrogen atoms.
4. Calculate the number of hydrogen atoms using the formula: H = 2n + 2. For n = 5, calculate H = 2(5) + 2.
5. Combine the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms to write the molecular formula for the alkane: C_5H_{12}.