Question 1

Which of the following statements best distinguishes organic compounds from inorganic compounds?

Accepted Answer

Organic compounds always contain carbon and hydrogen, while inorganic compounds may not contain carbon.

Question 2

What is the general formula for a straight-chain alkane, and how many hydrogen atoms are present in an alkane with 8 carbon atoms?

Accepted Answer

General formula: $$C_nH_{2n+2}$$; For $$n=8$$, $$C_8H_{18}$$

Question 3

Which of the following best explains why hydrocarbons are generally insoluble in water?

Accepted Answer

Hydrocarbons are nonpolar molecules, and water is polar, so they do not mix.

Question 4

A hydrocarbon is found to have the condensed formula $$CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_3. $$What is its molecular formula and IUPAC name?

Accepted Answer

Molecular formula: $$C_4H_{10}$$; Name: butane

Question 5

Which of the following properties is most typical of an inorganic compound like sodium chloride ($$NaCl$$)?

Accepted Answer

High melting point and ionic bonding

Question 6

Rank the following alkanes in order of increasing boiling point: methane ($$CH_4$$), ethane ($$C_2H_6$$), butane ($$C_4H_{10}$$), hexane ($$C_6H_{14}).$$

Accepted Answer

$$CH_4$$ \u003c C_2H_6 \u003c C_4H_{10} \u003c C_6H_{14}$$

Question 7

Which of the following is a correct line-angle formula representation for pentane ($$C_5H_{12}$$)?

Accepted Answer

A zig-zag line with four bends (five carbon atoms at the ends and vertices)

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the bonding in alkanes?

Accepted Answer

Only single covalent bonds between carbon and hydrogen or carbon and carbon

Question 9

A student is given a hydrocarbon with the formula $$C_7H_{16}. $$What is the name of this compound and what is its condensed formula?

Accepted Answer

Heptane; $$CH_3$$($$CH_2)_5CH_3$

Question 10

Which of the following is a property of most organic compounds but not inorganic compounds?

Accepted Answer

High flammability

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the difference between alkanes and alkenes?

Accepted Answer

Alkanes contain only single bonds, while alkenes contain at least one double bond.

Question 12

A sample of gasoline contains a mixture of hydrocarbons. Which property of hydrocarbons makes gasoline a good fuel?

Accepted Answer

High flammability due to nonpolar covalent bonds

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for the compound with the condensed formula $$CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3$$?

Accepted Answer

Pentane

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why the boiling point of alkanes increases as the number of carbon atoms increases?

Accepted Answer

Larger molecules have greater London dispersion forces, requiring more energy to separate them.

Question 15

Which of the following is an example of an aromatic hydrocarbon?

Accepted Answer

Benzene

Question 16

A compound has the following structure: $$CH_3$$-$$CH_2$$-$$CH_2$$-$$CH_2$$-$$CH_2$$-$$CH_3. $$What is the molecular formula and the name of this compound?

Accepted Answer

Molecular formula: $$C_6H_{14}$$; Name: hexane

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT a property of hydrocarbons?

Accepted Answer

High solubility in water

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between a molecular formula and a structural formula?

Accepted Answer

A molecular formula shows the number and type of atoms, while a structural formula shows how the atoms are bonded.

Question 19

Which of the following is the correct condensed formula for octane?

Accepted Answer

$$CH_3$$($$CH_2)_6CH_3$

Question 20

A student is given a sample of an unknown compound. It is nonpolar, burns in air, and is not soluble in water. Which type of compound is it most likely to be?

Accepted Answer

An organic hydrocarbon

Introduction to Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons (Ch. 11) Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards