Displayed formulae
2 marks · EasyHow many total bonds (lines) should be drawn in the displayed formula of ethane (\ce{C2H6}\))?
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7 (±0)
Common mistakes: 6 (forgot the bond between carbon atoms); 12 (counting electrons instead of lines)
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Marking points
M1 · 1 mark · Recognises each line is a bond and accounts for all atoms.
A1 · 1 mark · Correct answer: 7 bonds for ethane's displayed formula.
Worked solution
Each carbon in \ce{C2H6}\) forms 4 bonds. Drawn as H--C--C--H with three H on each C and a single bond between C--C.
Each carbon has 3 C-H bonds (total 6 for both carbons) and 1 C-C bond.