Which hydrocarbon name corresponds to CH4?

Prepare for the 3rd Year Electrical Trades Qualification (TQ) exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions to master the material. Each question comes with hints and explanations to help you succeed. Get set for your qualification!

Multiple Choice

Which hydrocarbon name corresponds to CH4?

Explanation:
The main idea here is recognizing how hydrocarbon names relate to the number of carbon atoms. CH4 has one carbon atom and four hydrogens, which is the formula for the simplest alkane. This molecule is named methane, the first member of the alkane series, and it’s a common component of natural gas. The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2, so with n = 1 you get CH4. The other options correspond to molecules with more carbons: ethane is C2H6, propane is C3H8, and butane is C4H10. So CH4 matches methane.

The main idea here is recognizing how hydrocarbon names relate to the number of carbon atoms. CH4 has one carbon atom and four hydrogens, which is the formula for the simplest alkane. This molecule is named methane, the first member of the alkane series, and it’s a common component of natural gas. The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2, so with n = 1 you get CH4. The other options correspond to molecules with more carbons: ethane is C2H6, propane is C3H8, and butane is C4H10. So CH4 matches methane.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy