Q) Carbon a member of group 14, forms a large number of

carbon compounds estimated to be about three million. Why

is this property not exhibited by other elements of this group?
(CBSE 2020)

a) This property of carbon is known as catenation which is

exhibited mostly in carbon atom, not by other elements of this
group. It is due to the small size of carbon atoms , stability of
carbon atoms and ability to form strong bonds , carbon gives
rise to a large number of compounds linked to each other.
Q) (a) State the reason why carbon can neither form C+4 cations nor C-4
anions, but forms covalent bonds. Also state reasons to explain why
covalent compounds
(1) are bad conductors of electricity.
(2) have low melting and boiling points.
(b) Write the structural formula of benzene, C6H6 (CBSE 2019)

a) (a)Carbon cannot form C+4 ions as very high energy is required to remove 4
electrons . Carbon cannot gain 4 electrons to form C-4 ions as 6 protons
cannot hold 10 electrons, hence C share it's electron & form covalent bond.
1. Covalent compounds are bad conductors of electricity as they do not have
free electrons.
2. They have have low melting and boiling points.Due to weak forces of
attraction between the molecules, thus less energy is required for breaking
the bonds.
(b) The structural formula of benzene, C6H6 -
Q) (a) Why are most carbon compounds poor conductors of electricity?

(b)Write the name and structure of a saturated compound in which

the carbon atoms are arranged in a ring. Give the number of single
bonds present in this compound. (CBSE 2018)

a) (a) Electricity is conducted by moving electrons. But carbon Forms

covalent bonds by sharing electrons. Hence, it does not have
free electrons.

(b) Cyclohexane is a saturated compound in which carbon atoms

are arranged in a ring. 6 single bonds are present in this compound.
Q) Write the molecular formula of the 2nd and 3rd
member of the homologous series where the first
member is ethyne. (CBSE 2017)

a) The molecular formula of the 2nd and 3rd members of homologous

series where the first member is ethyne (C​2H​2) is formed by adding -CH2-

2nd member of alkyne series = propyne (C​3H​4), CH3 - C ≡ CH

3rd member of alkyne series = butyne (C​4H​6), CH3 - CH2 - C ≡ CH

Q) Why are certain compounds called hydrocarbons? Write
the general formula for homologous series of alkanes,
alkenes and alkynes and also draw the structure of the
first member of each series. (CBSE 2017)

a) Certain compounds contain only carbon and hydrogen. So, these

organic compounds are called hydrocarbons.
General formula for alkanes = C(n)H(2n+2)
General formula for alkenes = C(n)H(2n)
General formula for alkynes = C(n)H(2n-2)
First member of alkane - methane

First member of alkene - ethene

First member of alkyne - ethyne

Q) (a)Write the number of covalent bonds in the molecule
of ethane.

(b) Draw the electron-dot structure for ethyne. (CBSE 2015)

a) (a)There are 7 covalent bond in ethane molecule.

(b) Electron-dot structure for ethyne:

Q) Why are homologous series of carbon compounds so called? Write
chemical formula of two consecutive members of a homologous
series and state the part of these compounds that determines their
(i) physical properties (ii) chemical properties. (CBSE 2013)

a) A series of hydrocarbons which possess a difference of CH​2 between two successive

molecules of series molecules are called homologous series of compounds. The
homologous series of carbon compounds are so called because the properties ofthe
compounds are determined by the same functional group and are not dependent on
the length of the carbon chain.

Two consecutive members of a homologous series are:- CH3OH & C2H5OH

(1)Physical properties are determined by CH3 part in CH3OH & C2H5 part in C2H5OH

(2)Chemical properties are determined by OH part in both CH3OH & C2H5OH

Q) What are hydrocarbons? Write the name and general formula of
(i) saturated hydrocarbons
(ii) unsaturated hydrocarbons & draw the structure of one
hydrocarbon of each type. (CBSE 2012)

a) Compounds that are formed by hydrogen and carbon are called hydrocarbons.

(i) Saturated hydrocarbon: Compounds of carbon and hydrogen that contain only
carbon-carbon single bonds, alkanes come under saturated compounds.

General formula of alkane is C​(n)H​(2n+2)

Example: Ethane - C​2H​6

(ii) Unsaturated Hydrocarbons - Compounds of carbon and hydrogen that
contain atleast one double covalent bond or a triple covalent bond between
carbon atoms Alkenes and Alkynes are come under unsaturated hydrocarbons.

General formula of alkene - C​(n)H​(2n) & alkyne - C(n)H(2n-2)

Example: Ethene - C​2H​4

Q) Write the electron dot structure of ethane molecule,
C​2H​6. (CBSE 2011)

a) Electron-dot structure for ethane molecule :