Alkanes – Lesson & Worksheet – Unit 4 – IGCSE Chemistry

Alkanes – Lesson & Worksheet – Unit 4 – IGCSE Chemistry
Structure, Formulae, Isomers & UV Substitution Reactions

This Synapse Science lesson introduces the alkane family of hydrocarbons from Unit 4 of the Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry course. Students learn to identify alkanes, draw their structural and displayed formulae, name isomers, and describe their key substitution reaction with halogens under UV light.

TOPICS COVERED – SPECIFICATION POINTS

• 4.19: Know the general formula for alkanes
• 4.20: Explain why alkanes are classified as saturated hydrocarbons
• 4.21: Understand how to draw the structural and displayed formulae for alkanes with up to five carbon atoms in the molecule, and to name the unbranched-chain isomers
• 4.22: Describe the reactions of alkanes with halogens in the presence of ultraviolet radiation, limited to mono-substitution:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Editable PowerPoint lesson with theory, worked examples, and visual molecular models
• Student worksheet with naming, drawing and reaction tasks
• Halogen substitution reaction example with methane and bromine
• Summary section to reinforce alkane properties and uses

KEY FEATURES

• Clean, visual explanation of alkane structure and saturation
• Scaffolded formula drawing and isomer naming tasks
• Real-world fuel applications and mono-substitution reaction covered
• Aligned to Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Unit 4 – Paper 2 content
• Follows the consistent Synapse Science layout

KEYWORDS
Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry, Alkanes, Saturated Hydrocarbons, Structural Formula, Isomers, Displayed Formula, Halogen Substitution, UV Light, Organic Chemistry, Synapse Science, Unit 4, Lesson, Worksheet