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Topic: Why do Alkanes have low densities?  (Read 3576 times)

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Offline purple_glitter

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Why do Alkanes have low densities?
« on: February 16, 2008, 09:38:25 PM »
I know that alkanes have low densities and can float on water. May I know why their densities are low?
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Offline Rabn

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Re: Why do Alkanes have low densities?
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2008, 10:46:56 PM »
Yes you may. You need only consider the definition of density. Mass per unit Volume.
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Offline minimal

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Re: Why do Alkanes have low densities?
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2008, 04:48:35 PM »
As far as I know they have low densities because their bonding is weak induced-dipole-induced-dipole (van der waals), as opposed to something stronger like the hydrogen bonding of water.
« Last Edit: February 18, 2008, 05:28:55 PM by minimal »
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