Alkanes

 and  Alkenes  Worksheet  

How can we distinguish between alkanes and alkenes?
Aim: To work out the best way to distinguish alkanes from alkenes.

1 Given below are the structures of four hydrocarbons:

A B

C D
Explain why all four compounds above are hydrocarbons.
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2 Classify the compounds A to D as either alkanes or alkenes.

Compound Molecular formula Alkane or alkene?

3 The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2.

What is the general formula for alkenes? ……………………….

4 Classify the following compounds as either alkanes or alkenes:

E C3 H8 alkane/alkene
F C5H10 alkane/alkene
G C6H14 alkane/alkene
H C6H12 alkane/alkene
I C5H12 alkane/alkene
5 Distinguishing between alkanes and alkenes using chemical reactions:

Test alkane alkene

Combustion

Bromine water

6 Which of these tests is the better one?

Explain your answer. .......................................................................................................................

7 Complete the following true/false statements about alkenes.

a) All alkenes are hydrocarbons. true/false
Reason ....................................................................................................................................
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b) Their general formula is CnH2n+2. true/false
Reason ....................................................................................................................................
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c) Ethene is an alkene. true/false
Reason ....................................................................................................................................
d) Alkenes decolourise bromine water. true/false
Reason ....................................................................................................................................
e) C4H10 is an alkene. true/false
Reason ....................................................................................................................................
f) Alkenes burn with a non-smoky flame. true/false
Reason ....................................................................................................................................
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g) The formula C4H8 represents an alkene. true/false
Reason ....................................................................................................................................
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