Final answer:
The number of hydrogen atoms in an alkane molecule can be determined using the general molecular formula CnH2n + 2. An alkane with 19 carbon atoms will contain 40 hydrogen atoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The general molecular formula for an alkane is CnH2n + 2. This formula tells us that for every carbon atom in the alkane, there are two hydrogen atoms plus two extra hydrogen atoms.
To determine the number of hydrogen atoms in an alkane molecule, we simply substitute the given number of carbon atoms into the formula. For example, an alkane with 19 carbon atoms will have 2(19) + 2 = 40 hydrogen atoms.