Question

Give two examples of saturated hydrocarbons. How many other atoms are bonded to each carbon in a saturated hydrocarbon?

Short answer

Two examples of saturated hydrocarbons are methane (CH4) and ethane (C2H6). In a saturated hydrocarbon, each carbon atom forms a total of 4 covalent bonds, either with other carbon atoms or with hydrogen atoms. In methane, each carbon atom is bonded to 4 hydrogen atoms. In ethane, each carbon atom is bonded to 1 other carbon atom and 3 hydrogen atoms.

Step-by-step solution

Define Saturated Hydrocarbons

Saturated hydrocarbons, also known as alkanes, are organic compounds made up of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms. They have single covalent bonds between the carbon atoms and are saturated with hydrogen atoms. In a saturated hydrocarbon, each carbon atom forms four bonds in total, either with other carbon atoms or with hydrogen atoms.

Provide Two Examples of Saturated Hydrocarbons

1. Methane (CH4): Methane is the simplest saturated hydrocarbon, with the molecular formula CH4. It consists of a central carbon atom surrounded by four hydrogen atoms, connected by single covalent bonds. Methane is the primary component of natural gas and commonly found in the environment. 2. Ethane (C2H6): Ethane is another example of a saturated hydrocarbon, with the molecular formula C2H6. It consists of two carbon atoms connected by a single covalent bond, and each carbon is also bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Ethane is commonly used as a fuel in industrial settings.

Determine the Number of Other Atoms Bonded to Each Carbon in a Saturated Hydrocarbon

In saturated hydrocarbons, each carbon atom forms a total of four covalent bonds. These bonds can either be with other carbon atoms or with hydrogen atoms. Let's analyze this for the two examples given above: 1. Methane (CH4): In methane, the central carbon atom forms four covalent bonds with four hydrogen atoms. There are no other carbon atoms in a methane molecule, so each carbon atom is bonded to 4 hydrogen atoms. 2. Ethane (C2H6): In ethane, there are two carbon atoms, connected by a single covalent bond. Each carbon atom is also bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Thus, in an ethane molecule, each carbon atom is bonded to 1 other carbon atom and 3 hydrogen atoms, making a total of 4 bonds. In summary, each carbon atom in a saturated hydrocarbon forms 4 bonds in total, either with other carbon atoms or with hydrogen atoms.