Organic Chemistry

Question 1

Why is carbon a unique element?

Answer 1

Because it can form molecules with long chains, branched chains and rings of carbon atoms

Question 2

What is organic chemistry the study of?

Answer 2

Organic chemistry involves the scientific study of the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds and organic materials, i.e., matter in its various forms that contain carbon atoms.

Question 3

What happens when carbon forms four single bonds?

Answer 3

The bonding pairs of electrons are arranged in a three dimensional tetrahedral shape

Question 4

What is the simplest group of organic compounds?

Answer 4

Hydrocarbons

Question 5

What are hydrocarbons made up of ONLY?

Answer 5

Hydrogen and carbon only

Question 6

What is the first family of hydrocarbons?

Answer 6

The alkanes

Question 7

What is a family of organic compounds (eg. Alkanes) called?

Answer 7

A homologous series

Question 8

What two formulas can organic compounds be represented by?

Answer 8

Molecular formula and structural formula

Question 9

What is molecular formula?

Answer 9

This shows the number of each type of atom present in one molecule

Question 10

What is structural formula?

Answer 10

This shows how all the atoms in one molecule are arranged

Question 11

What state are Pentane and Hexane in?

Answer 11

Liquid

Question 12

What state are Methane, Ethane, Propene and Butane in?

Answer 12

Gas

Question 13

What are structural isomers?

Answer 13

Where molecules with the same molecular formula have bonded together in different orders

Question 14

What are alkanes used for mainly?

Answer 14

Alkanes are mainly used as fuels.

Question 15

What do alkenes have?

Answer 15

Alkenes have a single carbon-carbon double bond.

Question 16

What is the formula for methanol?

Answer 16

CH3OH

Question 17

What is the formula for ethanol?

Answer 17

C2H5OH

Question 18

What is methanol used for?

Answer 18

• As a solvent
• As a fuel and starting chemical
• As fuel for racing car engines

Question 19

How is ethanol made?

Answer 19

Ethanol is made through the natural process of fermentation.

Question 20

What is ethanol used for?

Answer 20

• As the alcohol in alcoholic drinks
• As a fuel
• As a solvent

Question 21

What are monomers?

Answer 21

Monomers are small molecules that makes up polymers.

Question 22

What is a polymer?

Answer 22

A polymer is a large molecule made up of many smaller repeated units called monomers.

Question 23

What is polymerisation?

Answer 23

A chemical process that links monomers together to form polymers.

Question 24

How was methanol made?

Answer 24

Methanol was originally made from distilling wood.

Question 25

How are the physical properties of polymers determined?

Answer 25

1. The length of the polymer chain 2. The way the chains are linked 3. The addition of other compounds

Question 26

What is polythene used for?

Answer 26

Plastic bags and bottles.

Question 27

What is polypropylene used for?

Answer 27

Rope and carpet.

Question 28

What is polystyrene used for?

Answer 28

Disposable cups and packaging.

Question 29

What is polyvinyl chloride used for?

Answer 29

Construction and protective clothing (eg. Helmets).

Question 30

What is teflon used for?

Answer 30

Non-stick cooking utensils.