Organic ChemistryExam Focus

Exam Focus: Alkanes

Part of AlkanesGCSE Chemistry

This exam focus covers Exam Focus: Alkanes within Alkanes for GCSE Chemistry. Topic 38: Alkanes It is section 10 of 12 in this topic. Treat this as a marking guide for what examiners are looking for, not just a fact list.

Topic position

Section 10 of 12

Practice

20 questions

Recall

0 flashcards

🎯 Exam Focus: Alkanes

very-high Formula questions (1-2 marks): Use CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ to determine molecular formula. Must show working.

high Saturated/unsaturated distinction (2 marks): Define saturated as "only single C-C bonds" and contrast with alkenes.

high Drawing structures (2-3 marks): Draw displayed formula with each carbon making exactly 4 bonds.

Common exam question: "Explain what is meant by 'saturated'" — Answer must include "only single C-C bonds" (not just "full of hydrogen").

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Alkanes. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Alkanes

What is the general formula for the alkane homologous series?

  • A. CₙH₂ₙ
  • B. CₙH₂ₙ₋₂
  • C. CₙHₙ
  • D. CₙH₂ₙ₊₂
1 markfoundation

Explain why the boiling point of alkanes increases as the chain length increases.

3 marksstandard

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