CHEMISTRY

JAMB 2010 - Question 47

Chemistry 2010 JAMB Past Questions - Question 47: One of the major uses of alkanes is

Choose the correct answers from the options given.
One of the major uses of alkanes is
A:
B:
C:
D:
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Correct Answer

A

Explanation

Out of the options you provided, the major use of alkanes is **as domestic and industrial fuels**. Here's why:

* **Domestic and industrial fuels:** Alkanes, particularly those with medium chain lengths (C6-C17), are widely used as fuels for various purposes, including:
    * **Heating:** Natural gas (primarily methane, CH4) is a common fuel for heating homes and buildings. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG, mainly propane, C3H8 and butane, C4H10) is also used for heating and cooking in areas without access to natural gas pipelines.
    * **Transportation:** Gasoline (a mixture of C5-C12 alkanes) is the main fuel for cars and other gasoline-powered vehicles. Diesel fuel (a mixture of C12-C20 alkanes) is used in trucks, buses, and other heavy vehicles. Jet fuel (a mixture of kerosene and other alkanes) is used in airplanes.
    * **Industrial applications:** Alkanes are used as fuels in various industrial processes, such as power generation, metalworking, and food processing.
[Image of Natural gas flames for heating]
[Image of Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)]
[Image of Gasoline car]
[Image of Diesel truck]
[Image of Jet airplane]

* **Hydrogenation of oils:** While some alkanes can be used as starting materials for hydrogenation reactions to produce saturated fats and oils, this is not a major application compared to their use as fuels.
* **Textile industries:** Alkanes have limited use in the textile industry, primarily as solvents for certain processes. They are not major players in fabric production or finishing.
* **Production of plastics:** Some alkanes, particularly ethane (C2H6), are used as raw materials for the production of certain types of plastics, such as polyethylene. However, this is a smaller application compared to their dominant use as fuels.

Therefore, considering the widespread and crucial role of alkanes as fuels across various sectors, it stands out as their major use compared to the other options.