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,

$2n+2=42\\\\2n=42-2\\\\2n=40\\\\n=\frac{40}{2}\\\\n=20$

Thus, the number of carbon atoms is, 20

Therefore, the formula for an alkane which contained 42 hydrogen atoms is, $C_{20}H_{42}$