Module Seven: Organic Chemistry

Question 1

What is organic chemistry?

Answer 1

the study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions and preparation of carbon-containing compounds.

Question 2

What is bond energy?

Answer 2

a measure of bond strength, equal to the difference between the energies of the bonded atoms and the energies of the separated atoms.

Question 3

What is a homologous series?

Answer 3

a group of compounds which:
- have a shared general formula
- contain a common functional group
- have similar chemical properties
- show a gradual variation in physical properties
- have a similar systematic name.

Question 4

What is a hydrocarbon?

Answer 4

the simplest carbon compound, containing only hydrogen and carbon.

Question 5

What are the four different hydrocarbons?

Answer 5

• Alkanes
• Alkenes
• Alkynes
• Aromatic hydrocarbons

Question 6

List the first ten prefixes

Answer 6

1) Meth-
2) Eth-
3) Prop-
4) But-
5) Pent-
6) Hex-
7) Hept-
8) Oct-
9) Non-
10) Dec-

Question 7

What is an alkane?

Answer 7

A hydrocarbon which contains only single carbon carbon bonds. They are un-reactive and saturated, with the general formula of CnH2n+2

Question 8

What is a substituent?

Answer 8

Other atoms or groups of atoms that are attached to the main chain to form ‘branches’.