Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about functional groups is true?
A
All functional groups are non-polar.
B
Functional groups do not affect the physical properties of a compound.
C
Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.
D
Functional groups are always composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms only.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of functional groups: Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. They play a crucial role in determining the properties and reactivity of organic compounds.
Evaluate the statement 'All functional groups are non-polar': This statement is false. Functional groups can be polar or non-polar depending on the atoms involved and their arrangement. For example, hydroxyl groups (-OH) are polar due to the electronegativity difference between oxygen and hydrogen.
Consider the statement 'Functional groups do not affect the physical properties of a compound': This statement is false. Functional groups significantly affect the physical properties such as boiling point, solubility, and melting point. For instance, the presence of a hydroxyl group can increase solubility in water.
Analyze the statement 'Functional groups are always composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms only': This statement is false. Functional groups often include atoms other than carbon and hydrogen, such as oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Examples include amino groups (-NH₂) and carboxyl groups (-COOH).
Identify the correct statement: The correct statement is 'Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.' This highlights the importance of functional groups in organic chemistry.