Grade 12 Physical Sciences · Matter and Materials

Define organic chemistry terms

Give the exact meaning of organic chemistry words like hydrocarbon, functional group, homologous series and saturated compound.

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Introduction to Organic Chemistry Gr 12Kevinmathscience
Grade 12 Organic Chemistry Introduction: Physical SciencesMiss Martins Maths and Science
Grade 12 Organic Chemistry Homologous series part 1Miss Martins Maths and Science

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Question 2.1 · May/June 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

The letters A to F in the table below represent organic compounds.Diagram for this question
2.1 Define the term unsaturated compound.(2)

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  1. 3. Question 4.2.1 · November 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    4.2 A compound with the formula undergoes a cracking reaction according to the equation:



    The mixture of the two products is bubbled in bromine water, (aq), in a darkened room.

    Answer the questions that follow.
    4.2.1 Define the term cracking.(2)
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    1. ✓
      Definition of crackingThe chemical process/reaction in which longer chain hydrocarbon/alkane molecules are broken down to shorter (more useful) molecules.

      2 marks · Define organic chemistry terms

  2. 4. Question 3.1.1 · May/June 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    3.1 The boiling points of straight chain aldehydes and straight chain carboxylic acids are compared. The table below shows the results obtained.

    Answer the questions that follow.Diagram for question 3.1
    3.1.1 Define the term homologous series.(2)
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    1. ✓
      Definition of homologous series(A series of organic) compounds that can be described by the same general formula.

      2 marks · Define organic chemistry terms

  3. 5. Question 2.3.1 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    The letters A to H in the table below represent organic compounds.Diagram for this question
    2.3 Two different compounds in the above table are functional isomers.
    2.3.1 Define the term functional isomer.(2)
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    1. ✓
      Same molecular formulaCompounds with the same molecular formula,

      1 mark · Define organic chemistry terms

    2. ✓
      Different functional groups/homologous seriesbut different functional groups/homologous series.

      1 mark · Define organic chemistry terms

  4. 6. Question 2.1 · May/June 2024 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks

    The letters A to H in the table below represent eight organic compounds.Diagram for this question
    2.1 Define the term hydrocarbon.(2)
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    1. ✓
      Definition of a hydrocarbonOrganic compounds that consist of hydrogen and carbon only.

      2 marks · Define organic chemistry terms

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