questions with expertly crafted answers
Empirical formula - ANSWER-A formula that gives the simplist whole number ration of
atoms of each element in a compound
Molecular formula - ANSWER-A way of representing molecules that shows the actual
number of atoms of each element in a molecule
General formula - ANSWER-An algebraic formula that can describe any member of a
family of compounds
Structural formula - ANSWER-A way of representing molecules that shows the atoms
carbon by carbon, with the attached hydrogens and functional groups
Displayed formula - ANSWER-A way of representing a molecule that shows how all the
atoms are arranged and all the bonds between them
Skeletal formula - ANSWER-A simplified organic formula which only shows the carbon
skeleton and associated functional groups
Homologous series - ANSWER-A family of organic compounds that have the same
general formula and similar chemical properties
Structural isomer - ANSWER-A molecule with the same molecular formula as, but
different structural formula to another molecule
Stereoisomerism - ANSWER-A molecule which has the same structural formula as
another molecule, but has its atoms arranged differently in space
E-isomer - ANSWER-A stereoisomer of an alkene that had the two highest priority
groups on opposite sides of the carbon-carbon double bond
, Z-isomer - ANSWER-A stereoisomer of an alkene that has the two highest priority
groups on the same side of the carbon-carbon double bond
E/Z isomerism - ANSWER-A type of stereoisomerism that is cause ld by the restricted
rotation about a carbon-carbon double bond, each of he carbon atoms must have two
different groups attached
Alkanes - ANSWER-A saturated hydrocarbon with the general formula CnH2n+2
Petroleum - ANSWER-A mixture consisting mainly of alkane hydrocarbons that can be
separated into different fractions
Cracking - ANSWER-Breaking long chain alkanes into smaller hydrocarbons
Thermal cracking - ANSWER-Takes place at high pressure and high temperature and
produces a high percentage of alkenes
Catalytic cracking - ANSWER-Takes place at a slight pressure, high temperature and in
the presence of a zeolite catalyst and is used mainly to produce motor fuels and
aromatic hydrocarbons
Halogenoalkanes - ANSWER-An alkane with at least one halogen atom in place of a
hydrogen atom
Ozone layer - ANSWER-A layer of ozone (O3) found in the earth's upper atmosphere
which protects the earth from ultra violet radiation
Alkenes - ANSWER-An unsaturated hydrocarbon with the general formula CnH2n,
containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond
Bonding in alkenes - ANSWER-Involves double covalent bonds, a centre of high
electron density