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Which conformation for ethane has the lowest potential energy?
  • a)
    eclipsed
  • b)
    staggered
  • c)
    skew
  • d)
    all have equal Potential Energy
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which conformation for ethane has the lowest potential energy?a) ...
Explanation:

Ethane is a hydrocarbon that consists of two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. The carbon-carbon bond in ethane is a single bond, which allows for free rotation around the axis of the bond. This free rotation leads to different conformations of ethane, which are defined by the orientation of the hydrogen atoms relative to each other.

The three most common conformations of ethane are eclipsed, staggered, and skew. The potential energy of each conformation is related to the repulsion between the electron clouds of the atoms in the molecule.

Staggered conformation has the lowest potential energy:

The staggered conformation is the most stable conformation of ethane. In this conformation, the hydrogen atoms on one carbon atom are oriented in the opposite direction to the hydrogen atoms on the other carbon atom. This orientation leads to the lowest possible electron cloud repulsion between the two carbon atoms.

Eclipsed conformation has higher potential energy:

The eclipsed conformation is the least stable conformation of ethane. In this conformation, the hydrogen atoms on one carbon atom are oriented directly above the hydrogen atoms on the other carbon atom. This orientation leads to the highest possible electron cloud repulsion between the two carbon atoms.

Skew conformation has intermediate potential energy:

The skew conformation is an intermediate conformation between the staggered and eclipsed conformations. In this conformation, the hydrogen atoms on one carbon atom are oriented at a 60-degree angle to the hydrogen atoms on the other carbon atom. This orientation leads to an intermediate level of electron cloud repulsion between the two carbon atoms.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the staggered conformation has the lowest potential energy because it has the lowest electron cloud repulsion between the two carbon atoms. The eclipsed conformation has the highest potential energy because it has the highest electron cloud repulsion between the two carbon atoms. The skew conformation has an intermediate potential energy because it has an intermediate level of electron cloud repulsion between the two carbon atoms.
Free Test
Community Answer
Which conformation for ethane has the lowest potential energy?a) ...
Potential energy is inversely proportional to stability.
So the ans is B.
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Which conformation for ethane has the lowest potential energy?a) eclipsed b) staggered c) skew d) all have equal Potential Energy Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?
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