Unit 4 Carbon Chemistry
Ch. 9 Carbon Chemistry
Objectives:
1. State the relationship between the number of carbon atoms in, and the properties of, a hydrocarbon.
2. Describe the difference between the three types of unsaturated hydrocarbons.
3. Describe the different fossil fuels that are composed of hydrocarbons.
4. Distinguish between the different types of synthetic and natural polymers.
5. Understand the use and importance of synthetic materials, which came from natural resources, in today’s
society.
Vocabulary
Organic solid
Network solid
Hydrocarbon
Saturated hydrocarbon
Alkane
Unsaturated hydrocarbon
Alkene
Alkyne
Aromatic hydrocarbons
Fossil fuels
Polymer
Monomer
Glucose
Carbohydrates
Cellulose
Nucleic acids
Amino acid
Protein
9.1 Carbon Compounds
Read p. 262-269 and make notes by answering the following questions.
Describe the three types of fossil fuels.
- Coal – began as plants in swamps about 300 MYA; pressure changed the plants to a mixture of mostly
aromatic hydrocarbons with a high ration of carbon to hydrogen; they produce more soot than other fossil
fuels; used to produce electricity and causes acid rain
- Natural gas – formed from marine organisms; composed of small alkane chains; used in heating, cooking, and
some electrical generation; always found with coal or petroleum
- Petroleum – formed from marine organisms; usually a thick liquid composed mainly of long-branched alkanes
and alkenes; once separated into its components, it’s used for gasoline, heating oil, and manufacturing of
products (plastics)
Describe a combustion reaction.
- Hydrocarbon (fossil fuel) + oxygen gas = carbon dioxide and water
What is the difference between complete combustion and incomplete combustion?
- When not enough oxygen is present, the hydrocarbon does not break down fully, and carbon monoxide is
formed rather than carbon dioxide, which is formed in complete combustion.
How does burning fossil fuels add to the problem of acid rain?
- Carbon dioxide dissolves in water and forms carbonic acid. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, released from
burning coal, form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, when dissolved in water. These acids damage metal, stone,
and harm aquatic organisms.
9.3 Polymers
Read p. 275-280 and make notes by answering the following questions.
What is a synthetic polymer? Describe three examples.
- They are developed by chemists in labs and factories
- Rubber – made naturally but synthetic is cheaper, more readily available, and of better quality; made from
petroleum; used in tires and adhesives
- Nylon – made to replace silk; nylon is very strong, durable, and shiny; used in clothing, fishing line, carpets,
ropes, outdoor coverings
- Polyethylene – plastic; chains of an alkene; more carbons the harder the plastic is
What is a natural polymer? Describe three examples.
-
Large molecules produced by organisms
Starches – sugars (glucose, fructose, sucrose); produced in plants; formed from carbohydrates
Cellulose – fiber (cotton and wood); formed from starches; cellulose gives strength to plant stems; most
animals cannot digest it
Nucleic Acids – DNA and RNA; found in all cells and used to store information