Which of the following alkanes has the lowest molecular weight?

Which of the following alkanes has the lowest molecular weight?

Step 1: Understand what alkanes are. Alkanes are hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2.
Step 2: Identify the alkanes you are comparing. Common alkanes include methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), and butane (C4H10).
Step 3: Calculate the molecular weight of each alkane. The molecular weight is the sum of the weights of all the atoms in the molecule.
Step 4: For methane (CH4), the molecular weight is 12 (for C) + 4 (for H) = 16 g/mol.
Step 5: For ethane (C2H6), the molecular weight is 24 (for C) + 6 (for H) = 30 g/mol.
Step 6: For propane (C3H8), the molecular weight is 36 (for C) + 8 (for H) = 44 g/mol.
Step 7: For butane (C4H10), the molecular weight is 48 (for C) + 10 (for H) = 58 g/mol.
Step 8: Compare the molecular weights calculated: Methane (16 g/mol), Ethane (30 g/mol), Propane (44 g/mol), Butane (58 g/mol).
Step 9: Determine which alkane has the lowest molecular weight. Methane has the lowest at 16 g/mol.

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