The molecular formula of butane, C4H10, tells us the exact number and types of atoms present in one molecule of butane.
Here's a breakdown:
- C4: This indicates that each molecule of butane contains four carbon atoms.
- H10: This indicates that each molecule of butane contains ten hydrogen atoms.
Therefore, the molecular formula provides the following key information about butane:
- Elemental Composition: Butane is composed of the elements carbon (C) and hydrogen (H).
- Number of Atoms: A single molecule of butane consists of 4 carbon atoms and 10 hydrogen atoms.
- Molecular Structure Implication: The formula also suggests that butane is a saturated hydrocarbon (alkane), meaning it only contains single bonds between the carbon and hydrogen atoms. This is because the general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2, and in the case of butane, n=4, so 2n+2 = 10.
In essence, the molecular formula C4H10 is a concise representation of the atomic makeup of a butane molecule.
