Crude oil and Hydrocarbons

• What is crude oil formed from?

  Remains of tiny sea creatures called plankton
• Why is crude oil considered a finite resource?

  Because it will one day run out if we continue using it
• What are hydrocarbons?

  • Molecules made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms only
• What is the formula for methane?

  $CH_4$
• What is the key feature of alkanes?

  They have the general formula $C_nH_{2n+2}$
• How do you calculate the number of hydrogen atoms in an alkane?

  Multiply the number of carbon atoms by 2 and then add 2
• What is the number of hydrogen atoms in methane?

  4
• What is the number of hydrogen atoms in ethane?

  6
• How do you determine the number of hydrogen atoms in propane?

  1. Identify the number of carbon atoms (N = 3)
  2. Use the formula: Multiply by 2 and add 2
  3. Result: 8 hydrogen atoms
• How do you determine the number of hydrogen atoms in butane?

  1. Identify the number of carbon atoms (N = 4)
  2. Use the formula: Multiply by 2 and add 2
  3. Result: 10 hydrogen atoms
• Why are alkanes described as saturated molecules?

  Because the carbon atoms are fully bonded to hydrogen atoms
• Which alkane structures should be memorized for exams?

  • Methane
  • Ethane
  • Propane
  • Butane