Question 1

Which of the following statements best explains why alkanes have tetrahedral geometry at each carbon atom?

Accepted Answer

Because the carbon atoms undergo sp\^3 hybridization, forming four equivalent orbitals pointing to the vertices of a tetrahedron.

Question 2

What is the general formula for linear alkanes?

Accepted Answer

$$C_nH_{2n+2}$$

Question 3

Which type of intermolecular force is primarily responsible for the boiling points of alkanes?

Accepted Answer

London dispersion forces (induced-dipole/induced-dipole)

Question 4

Which of the following molecules is an example of an alkene?

Accepted Answer

Ethylene ($$C_2H_4)$$

Question 5

How many constitutional isomers exist for the molecular formula $$C_5H_{12}$$?

Accepted Answer

3

Question 6

Which hybridization is found in the carbon atoms of acetylene ($$C_2H_2$$)?

Accepted Answer

sp

Question 7

What is the correct IUPAC name for the following structure: $$CH_3CH(CH_3$)CH_2CH_3$$?

Accepted Answer

2-methylbutane

Question 8

Which of the following statements about branched alkanes is true?

Accepted Answer

Branched alkanes have lower boiling points than their linear isomers due to decreased surface area.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a type of van der Waals force?

Accepted Answer

Ionic bonding

Question 10

In ethylene ($$C_2H_4$$), what is the geometry around each carbon atom and what is the hybridization?

Accepted Answer

Trigonal planar geometry, sp\^2 hybridization

Question 11

Which of the following best describes the bonding in methane ($$CH_4$$)?

Accepted Answer

Four C-H bonds formed by overlap of sp\^3 hybrid orbitals with 1s orbitals of hydrogen.

Question 12

Which rule is used to assign numbers to the carbon atoms in a branched alkane for IUPAC naming?

Accepted Answer

Assign numbers so that the substituent at the first branching point gets the smallest number possible.

Question 13

What is the condensed structural formula for n-hexane?

Accepted Answer

$$CH_3$$($$CH_2)_5CH_3$

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct statement about cycloalkanes?

Accepted Answer

Cycloalkanes have the general formula $$C_nH_{2n}$$, where $$n \u003e 2.$$

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct IUPAC name for a molecule with two methyl groups on the second and third carbon of pentane?

Accepted Answer

2,3-dimethylpentane

Question 16

What is the hybridization and geometry of the central carbon in neopentane?

Accepted Answer

sp\^3 hybridization, tetrahedral geometry

Question 17

Which of the following is true about the formation of $$\pi$$ bonds in ethylene ($$C_2H_4$$)?

Accepted Answer

$$\pi$$ bonds are formed by the side-on overlap of unhybridized 2p orbitals.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the difference between n-butane and isobutane?

Accepted Answer

n-butane is linear, while isobutane (2-methylpropane) is branched.

Question 19

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

Accepted Answer

$$CH_3CH_2CH(CH_3$)CH_3$

Introduction to Organic Chemistry and Alkanes: Structure, Nomenclature, and Hybridization

Study Guide - Practice Questions