0653.C11.3.02 — Describe the properties of alkanes as being generally unreactive, except in terms of combustion: past paper questions
Real questions on 0653.c11.3.02 — describe the properties of alkanes as being generally unreactive, except in terms of combustion
The newest 11 of 11 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0653/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6c[2]
Fig. 6.2 shows the structure of butane. H H H H H C C C C H H H H H Fig. 6.2 Butane and ethane are in the same homologous series. The boiling point of ethane is –88 °C. Predict the boiling point of butane. Give a reason for your answer. boiling point °C reason
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · February/March 2025 · Q5d(i)[1]
Use Fig. 5.1 to explain why ethane is a saturated molecule.
See it on the paper → - 0653/21 · October/November 2024 · Q26[1]
Which statements about the alkanes are correct?
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · May/June 2024 · Q8a(ii)[2]
State the general formula for alkenes and for alkanes. alkenes alkanes
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · May/June 2024 · Q8c(i)[2]
Complete Fig. 8.2 by drawing the structure of compound B.
See it on the paper → - 0653/42 · February/March 2024 · Q8c(iii)[1]
Decane is a saturated hydrocarbon. Describe what is meant by saturated.
See it on the paper → - 0653/12 · October/November 2023 · Q26[1]
Which statement about decane is correct?
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · October/November 2023 · Q8a(i)[1]
Deduce the general formula for the alkanes.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · October/November 2023 · Q8b(i)[2]
Describe how Fig. 8.1 shows that propane is a saturated hydrocarbon.
See it on the paper → - 0653/43 · May/June 2023 · Q8c[1]
Name the homologous series that contains butane and decane.
See it on the paper → - 0653/32 · February/March 2022 · Q5c(iii)[1]
Describe one difference in the chemical properties of saturated hydrocarbons and unsaturated hydrocarbons.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
The most important idea here was that saturated molecules contain only single bonds, and this was shown in Fig. 5.1. An alternative way of expressing this idea is that the (C–C) bond in the molecule is single. In unsaturated molecules, double bonds occur between the carbon atoms, so in the absence of these it must be a saturated molecule. Incorrect responses stated that the molecule has a single b...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 0653/32 Q5(d)(i) (Cambridge)
The strongest answers stated clearly that saturated hydrocarbon molecules contain only single bonds or contain single bonds between the carbon atoms. Answers such as “compounds with single bonds” were not accepted. Answers that attempted to describe the relative unreactive nature of saturated hydrocarbons, without reference to bonding, were not accepted.
— Examiner report, February/March 2024, 0653/42 Q8(c)(iii) (Cambridge)
Option B was a popular incorrect choice. Candidates should know that alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, and that their molecules contain only single C–C and C–H bonds.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 0653/12 Q26 (Cambridge)
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