Chemistry Regents Practice Test 2025 – The All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

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What is the general formula for alkanes?

CₙH₂ₙ₊₁

CₙH₂ₙ₊₂

The general formula for alkanes is represented as CₙH₂ₙ₊₂. This formula indicates a saturated hydrocarbon, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms. Each carbon atom in an alkane forms four single bonds, allowing the maximum number of hydrogen atoms to be bonded to the carbon backbone without any double or triple bonds.

For example, when n is 1 (methane), the formula gives CH₄, which is indeed saturated with hydrogen. Similarly, when n is 2 (ethane), the formula gives C₂H₆, and for n equals 3 (propane), it results in C₃H₈. This pattern holds true for all alkanes.

Understanding alkanes is crucial as they are the simplest form of hydrocarbons and serve as a foundation for organic chemistry. The other answer choices do not correctly represent the structure of alkanes; they either suggest incorrect numbers of hydrogens or describe other classes of hydrocarbons.

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CₙH₂ₙ

CₙH₂ₙ₊₃

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