All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

How many carbon and hydrogen atoms are there in Propane, respectively?

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2019 (Tier 2) GS Finance & Economics Previous Year Paper (17-Nov-2020)
The correct answer is

3, 8

Why propane is C3H8

Propane is an alkane, a type of hydrocarbon with the general formula CnH2n+2. The name propane indicates the prefix prop- which means 3 carbon atoms.

Alkane formula: CnH2n+2 → for n=3 → C3H8

Step-by-step

  1. Recognize that propane is an alkane, so use H = 2n + 2.
  2. For n = 3 (three carbons): H = 2×3 + 2 = 8.
  3. Therefore the molecular formula is C3H8 — 3 carbons and 8 hydrogens.

 

Compare with: Methane CH4 (n=1) and Ethane C2H6 (n=2) to see the same pattern: each time you add a carbon, hydrogen increases by 2.

Was this answer helpful?

Similar Questions

  1. In 1931, who recognised that an aromatic compound must have an odd number of pairs of electrons, which can mathematically be written as 4n + 2 (n = 0, 1, 2, 3 etc.)?

  2. The chemical formula of propene is:

  3. Identify the correct statement with respect to unsaturated hydrocarbons.

  4. Which of the following is a straight-chain alkyl carboxylic acid with the chemical formula CH3CH2CH2CO2H?


Important Questions from Hydrocarbons

  1. Which of the following base is found in soap?

  2. From the options given below, identify the substance which are sweet smelling ?

  3. Which one of the following is the general formula of Alkenes?

  4. What is the colour of the flame when alkenes are burnt?

  5. Kolbe’s electrolytic method can be applied on

Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC JHT
September 13, 2026
SSC Selection Post
September 16, 2026
UPSSSC PET
October 23, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2503 Tests 6 Tests Free
4496 Attempts
4.2(847)
English, Hindi

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App