What is the general formula for a linear alkane?

The general formula for a linear alkane is represented as CnH2n+2. This formula indicates that for every n number of carbon atoms, there are 2n + 2 hydrogen atoms. Linear alkanes, also known as normal alkanes, consist of carbon atoms connected in a straight chain, and they are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms.

For example, if you have a linear alkane with one carbon atom (n=1), the number of hydrogen atoms would be 2(1) + 2 = 4, resulting in methane (CH4). If there are two carbon atoms (n=2), the formula gives you 2(2) + 2 = 6, corresponding to ethane (C2H6), and so on. This pattern continues for any number of carbon atoms in a linear alkane.

The other formulas provided do not apply to linear alkanes. For instance, CnH2n is the general formula for alkenes, which have at least one double bond, and CnH2n+1 typically represents alkyl groups derived from alkanes. Meanwhile, CnH2n-