Question

Propane, with the molecular formula \( C_3H_8 \), has:

• A. 7 covalent bonds
• B. 8 covalent bonds
• C. 9 covalent bonds
• D. 10 covalent bonds

Hint:

To determine the number of covalent bonds in an organic molecule, count all single, double, or triple bonds formed between atoms.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the structure of propane \( C_3H_8 \). Propane consists of three carbon (\(C\)) atoms and eight hydrogen (\(H\)) atoms. The structure of propane is as follows: \[ CH_3 - CH_2 - CH_3 \]
Step 2: Identifying the covalent bonds. 1. Each carbon forms a single bond with other carbon atoms. 2. Each carbon also forms single bonds with hydrogen atoms. 3. Carbon always forms four covalent bonds (either with carbon or hydrogen).
Step 3: Counting the bonds. - There are 2 carbon-carbon (\(C-C\)) single bonds. - There are 8 carbon-hydrogen (\(C-H\)) single bonds. \[ \text{Total covalent bonds} = 2 (C-C) + 8 (C-H) = 10. \] Thus, the total number of covalent bonds in propane is 10.