Cambridge IGCSE · Chemistry 0620

IGCSE Chemistry: Organic chemistry — Practice Questions & Answers

Crude oil fractions, homologous series, alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, carboxylic acids and polymers for IGCSE Chemistry 0620.

1654 practice questions available for this topic — here are 10 with full answers and explanations.

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Practice questions with answers

1 Multiple choice · Easy

Which raw material is separated by fractional distillation to obtain useful fuels such as petrol and diesel?

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WhyCrude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons that is separated into fractions by fractional distillation, providing fuels like petrol and diesel.
2 Multiple choice · Easy

What is the general formula of the alkanes?

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WhyAlkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2, for example methane CH4 (n=1).
3 Multiple choice · Easy

Which test is used to distinguish an alkene from an alkane?

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WhyAlkenes are unsaturated and rapidly decolourise aqueous bromine; alkanes are saturated and do not, so the bromine test distinguishes them.
4 Multiple choice · Easy

What is the name of the functional group present in alcohols?

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WhyAlcohols contain the hydroxyl group, written as -OH, which gives the homologous series its characteristic properties.
5 Multiple choice · Easy

Which compound is the second member of the alkene homologous series?

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WhyThe alkenes start at C2H4 (ethene); the second member is propene, C3H6, with the general formula CnH2n.
6 Fill in the blank · Easy

A series of compounds with the same general formula and similar chemical properties is called a series.

Answer: homologous

WhyA homologous series is a family of compounds with the same general formula, similar chemical properties and a gradual change in physical properties.
7 Multiple choice · Medium

Fractions near the top of the fractionating column compared with fractions near the bottom have:

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WhySmaller molecules condense higher up where it is cooler; they have lower boiling points, are more volatile, more flammable and less viscous.
8 Multiple choice · Medium

Which equation represents the complete combustion of methane?

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WhyComplete combustion of a hydrocarbon in excess oxygen gives only carbon dioxide and water: CH4 + 2O2 -> CO2 + 2H2O.
9 Multiple choice · Medium

Ethanol can be manufactured by fermentation. Which conditions are required?

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WhyFermentation uses glucose (from sugars) with yeast at about 25-35 degrees C in the absence of air (anaerobic), producing ethanol and carbon dioxide.
10 Multiple choice · Medium

Which functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of carboxylic acids?

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WhyCarboxylic acids contain the carboxyl group -COOH, which can release a hydrogen ion in water, making solutions weakly acidic.

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Key terms in Organic chemistry

Organic compound: A compound built around carbon atoms, usually also containing hydrogen and sometimes oxygen, nitrogen or other elements.
Hydrocarbon: A compound made only of the elements carbon and hydrogen.
Crude oil: A naturally occurring mixture of many different hydrocarbons formed from ancient marine organisms.
Fossil fuel: A fuel such as crude oil, natural gas or coal produced over millions of years from the remains of living things.
Fraction: A group of hydrocarbons collected together during distillation because they have similar boiling points.
Fractional distillation: A process that separates crude oil into fractions according to differences in their boiling points.
Fractionating column: A tall tower, hot at the bottom and cool at the top, used to separate the fractions of crude oil.
Refinery gas: The lowest boiling fraction of crude oil, used as bottled fuel for heating and cooking.

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