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← JEE Main 2016 · 3 Apr · Shift 1
ChemistrySingle correct+4 / -1Question 31 of 90

JEE Main 2016 · 3 Apr · Shift 1, Chemistry question 31

At 300 K and 1 atm, 15 mL of a gaseous hydrocarbon requires 375 mL air containing 20% OX2\ce{O2} by volume for complete combustion. After combustion the gases occupy 330 mL. Assuming that the water formed is in liquid form and the volumes were measured at the same temperature and pressure, the formula of the hydrocarbon is :

Choose one option
Answer and worked solution

Official answer: B

375 mL of air holds 75 mL of OX2\ce{O2}, so for CXxHXy\ce{C_xH_y}: 15(x+y4)=7515\left(x+\frac y4\right)=75, i.e. x+y4=5x+\frac y4=5. Of the options only CX3HX8\ce{C3H8} fits (3+2=53+2=5).

Note: with that formula the gases after combustion would be 300 mL NX2\ce{N2} + 45 mL COX2\ce{CO2} = 345 mL, not the 330 mL printed. The 330 mL would need x=2x=2, which no option allows, so the oxygen figure decides.