Final answer:
Alkyl groups stabilize carbocations through inductive effects and hyperconjugation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In organic chemistry, carbocations are positively charged carbon ions that play a key role in many reactions. The stability of a carbocation depends on the presence of alkyl groups. Alkyl groups are electron-donating, so they can stabilize the positive charge of the carbocation through inductive effects and hyperconjugation. The more alkyl groups attached to the carbocation, the greater the stability.
For example, a tertiary carbocation with three alkyl groups is more stable than a secondary carbocation with two alkyl groups, which is more stable than a primary carbocation with one alkyl group.