GCSE Chemistry - What is a Hydrocarbon? What are
Alkanes? Hydrocarbons and Alkanes
we'll be taking a look at hydrocarbons and specifically at alkanes. Though it's worth
understanding that this whole area of chemistry is known as organic chemistry, it's all about
compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen only. This molecule, called butane, is a
hydrocarbon, but this similar molecule called butanol is not a hydrocarbon because it also
has an oxygen atom. We'll stick with alkanes by taking a look at their properties and seeing
how to write equations for their combustion. That's all for now! If you enjoyed it, then do tell
your friends about us and we'll see you next time in our next video.
GCSE Chemistry - Alkanes: properties & combustion
Alkanes are a group of hydrocarbons that consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms with no
double bonds. They form a homologous series, meaning that each member of the series
exhibits a similar chemical structure. The boiling point of alkanes increases as the length of
the carbon chain increases. Shorter alkanes with fewer than five carbons are gases at room
temperature, while those with between five and sixteen carbons are liquids, and alkanes with
chains longer than sixteen carbons are solid. Longer alkanes are more viscous, which means
that they are thick and sticky like honey. The properties of hydrocarbons, such as alkanes,
depend on the length of their carbon chain. Those with shorter chains have the lowest
boiling points, making them more volatile and flammable, and thus better fuels. When
hydrocarbons are burned as fuels, the process is called combustion. Complete combustion
only takes place when there is enough oxygen available, producing carbon dioxide and water
and releasing a significant amount of energy in the process.
Alkanes? Hydrocarbons and Alkanes
we'll be taking a look at hydrocarbons and specifically at alkanes. Though it's worth
understanding that this whole area of chemistry is known as organic chemistry, it's all about
compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen only. This molecule, called butane, is a
hydrocarbon, but this similar molecule called butanol is not a hydrocarbon because it also
has an oxygen atom. We'll stick with alkanes by taking a look at their properties and seeing
how to write equations for their combustion. That's all for now! If you enjoyed it, then do tell
your friends about us and we'll see you next time in our next video.
GCSE Chemistry - Alkanes: properties & combustion
Alkanes are a group of hydrocarbons that consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms with no
double bonds. They form a homologous series, meaning that each member of the series
exhibits a similar chemical structure. The boiling point of alkanes increases as the length of
the carbon chain increases. Shorter alkanes with fewer than five carbons are gases at room
temperature, while those with between five and sixteen carbons are liquids, and alkanes with
chains longer than sixteen carbons are solid. Longer alkanes are more viscous, which means
that they are thick and sticky like honey. The properties of hydrocarbons, such as alkanes,
depend on the length of their carbon chain. Those with shorter chains have the lowest
boiling points, making them more volatile and flammable, and thus better fuels. When
hydrocarbons are burned as fuels, the process is called combustion. Complete combustion
only takes place when there is enough oxygen available, producing carbon dioxide and water
and releasing a significant amount of energy in the process.
