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

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More past paper questions: define organic chemistry terms
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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)Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
- ✓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
- ✓
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.
3.1.1 Define the term homologous series.(2)Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
- ✓Definition of homologous series(A series of organic) compounds that can be described by the same general formula.
2 marks · Define organic chemistry terms
- ✓
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.
2.3 Two different compounds in the above table are functional isomers.2.3.1 Define the term functional isomer.(2)Show the memo (2 ticks)Memo
- ✓Same molecular formulaCompounds with the same molecular formula,
1 mark · Define organic chemistry terms
- ✓Different functional groups/homologous seriesbut different functional groups/homologous series.
1 mark · Define organic chemistry terms
- ✓
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.
2.1 Define the term hydrocarbon.(2)Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
- ✓Definition of a hydrocarbonOrganic compounds that consist of hydrogen and carbon only.
2 marks · Define organic chemistry terms
- ✓
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