Hydrocarbons
This chapter introduces hydrocarbons, focusing on alkanes and alkenes. It covers the general unreactivity of alkanes, their complete and incomplete…
What you'll learn
- Explain the general unreactivity of alkanes, and describe their complete and incomplete combustion.
- Explain the free-radical substitution of alkanes by chlorine and by bromine, as shown by their three-step mechanism.
- Suggest how cracking can be used to obtain more useful alkanes and alkenes of lower relative molecular mass from larger hydrocarbon molecules.
- Describe the environmental consequences of burning hydrocarbon fuels in vehicles and the removal of pollutants by catalytic converters.
- Describe the reactions of alkenes as shown by their addition, oxidation and polymerisation.
- Describe the mechanism of electrophilic addition in alkenes, and explain the inductive effects of alkyl groups on the stability of cations formed.
- Describe the difficulty of disposing of waste poly(alkene)s.
Study tools for this chapter
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Guided lesson slides
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Flashcards
15 spaced-repetition cards
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MCQs
188 multiple-choice questions
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Exam questions
127 questions with mark schemes
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Revision notes
Structured notes with exam techniques and definitions
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About Hydrocarbons on Nexelia Academy
Hydrocarbons is chapter 15 of Nexelia Academy's Cambridge A-Level Chemistry course. This chapter introduces hydrocarbons, focusing on alkanes and alkenes. It covers the general unreactivity of alkanes, their complete and incomplete…
This chapter is mapped to the official Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry syllabus and includes 188 multiple-choice questions, 127 structured exam questions with full mark schemes, 15 spaced-repetition flashcards, guided lesson slides and access to an AI tutor trained on the Cambridge specification.
Frequently asked questions about Hydrocarbons
How do I revise Hydrocarbons for Cambridge A-Level Chemistry?
Work through the guided lesson slides first to build a mental model, then drill the 188 MCQs for quick recall, attempt the 127 exam questions with mark schemes for technique, and use flashcards for spaced repetition. The AI tutor is available throughout if you get stuck.
How many practice questions does Hydrocarbons include?
Hydrocarbons on Nexelia Academy includes 188 multiple-choice questions, 127 structured exam questions with full mark schemes, and 15 flashcards.
Is Hydrocarbons free?
Chapter 1 of Cambridge A-Level Chemistry is free for all registered users. Hydrocarbons is included in Pro and Max plans, which unlock every chapter with unlimited practice.
Does Nexelia Academy cover Hydrocarbons for Cambridge A-Level Chemistry?
Yes. Hydrocarbons is fully mapped to the official Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry syllabus and is one of Nexelia Academy's published chapters for this course.