Carbon and its Compounds — Practice

Question 1

State two reasons why carbon forms a large number of compounds.

Accepted Answer

Tetravalency (it forms four covalent bonds) and catenation (carbon atoms link to form chains and rings).

Question 2

Write the general formulae of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes.

Accepted Answer

Alkanes CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, alkenes CₙH₂ₙ, alkynes CₙH₂ₙ₋₂.

Question 3

What is a homologous series?

Accepted Answer

A family of compounds with the same functional group, successive members differing by –CH₂– and showing similar chemical properties.

Question 4

Name the functional groups in ethanol and ethanoic acid.

Accepted Answer

Ethanol: –OH (alcohol); ethanoic acid: –COOH (carboxylic acid).

Question 5

Define saponification.

Accepted Answer

The reaction of a fat or oil with an alkali (NaOH) to form soap and glycerol.

Question 6

Write the molecular formula and name of the alkane with 3 carbons.

Accepted Answer

C₃H₈, propane.

Practice — Carbon and its Compounds