organic chemistry

• What is the definition of a hydrocarbon?

  Any compound formed by hydrogen and carbon only
• What is the main type of hydrocarbon to know about?

  Alkane
• What is the general formula for alkanes?

  $C_nH_{2n+2}$
• What does it mean for an alkane to be saturated?

  Each carbon atom has four bonds
• What is a homologous series?

  A group of compounds that react similarly
• What is the chemical formula for butane?

  $C_4H_{10}$
• How do you derive the formula for alkanes?

  Substitute n into $C_nH_{2n+2}$
• What is the general formula for alkenes?

  $C_nH_{2n}$
• Why are alkenes considered unsaturated compounds?

  Carbon atoms can bond with other things
• What are the names of the first two alkenes?

  Ethan and propene
• What are the properties of short hydrocarbon chains?

  More viscous, volatile, and flammable
• What is fractional distillation used for?

  Separating mixtures of hydrocarbons from crude oil
• How does a fractionating column work?

  Separates hydrocarbons based on boiling points
• What happens to hydrocarbons in a fractionating column?

  They turn into gas and separate
• What is the outcome for hydrocarbons with high boiling points in fractional distillation?

  They condense and come out as liquids
• What is cracking in organic chemistry?

  Breaking long hydrocarbon chains into shorter ones
• What is produced when hexane undergoes cracking?

  Butane and ethene
• Why is it important to know about alkenes for combined science students?

  They need to understand their basic properties
• What is the next topic after organic chemistry?

  Chemical analysis