Question

What would be the formula for an alkane which contained 42 hydrogen atoms? C____H42 20 21 22 23

Answer 1

C20H42 20 is the answer.

Answer 2

Answer : The formula for an alkane which contained 42 hydrogen atoms is,
`C_(20)H_(42)`

Explanation :

The general representation of alkane is,
`C_nH_(2n+2)`

As we are given the number hydrogen atoms which is equal to 42. Now we have to determine the number of carbon atoms.

As,

`2n+2=42\\\\2n=42-2\\\\2n=40\\\\n=(40)/(2)\\\\n=20`

Thus, the number of carbon atoms is, 20

Therefore, the formula for an alkane which contained 42 hydrogen atoms is,
`C_(20)H_(42)`