What is the main use of short chain alkanes?

Short chain alkanes are used primarily as fuels.

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Why are hydrocarbons used as fuels?

Hydrocarbons release a large amount of energy when combusted.

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What does flammability mean?

Flammability refers to how easily a substance combusts. If a substance is very flammable, it means it is easy to burn / catches fire easily.

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What does viscosity mean?

Viscosity refers to how thick or runny a liquid is.


If a liquid is very viscous, then it is really thick and gloopy like honey. If it has low viscosity then it is runny like water.

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What does volatility mean?

Volatility refers to how easily a substance vaporises/evaporates into a gas.


If a substance is very volatile then it easily vaporises, for example you may see it give off fumes.

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What happens to the viscosity of alkanes as their chain length (number of carbon atoms) increases?

Alkanes become more viscous as chain their length increases.

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What happens to the volatility of alkanes as their chain length (number of carbon atoms) increases?

Alkanes become less volatile as chain their length increases.

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What happens to the flammability of alkanes as their chain length (number of carbon atoms) increases?

Alkanes become less flammable as chain their length increases.

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What is the general equation for the complete combustion of a hydrocarbon?

hydrocarbon + oxygen ➔  carbon dioxide + water (+ energy)

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What are the waste products of complete combustion of a hydrocarbon?

Carbon dioxide and water vapour.

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Are alkanes a homologous series?

Yes, alkanes are a homologous series.


They are similar molecules, that have the same general formula, and only differ by CH2.

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Is combustion an exothermic or endothermic reaction?

Combustion is an exothermic reaction, as it releases heat energy to the surroundings.

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