Define the term Straight chain hydrocarbons

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Definition of Straight Chain Hydrocarbons**:
Straight chain hydrocarbons are organic compounds that consist of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms arranged in a linear or straight chain structure.

2. **Structure Characteristics**:
In these compounds, the carbon atoms are connected to each other by single bonds (in the case of alkanes), double bonds (in the case of alkenes), or triple bonds (in the case of alkynes). The chain does not have any branches; all carbon atoms are in a continuous line.

3. **Naming Convention**:
The names of straight chain hydrocarbons are derived from the number of carbon atoms present in the chain. The naming ends with the suffix "-ane" for alkanes, "-ene" for alkenes, and "-yne" for alkynes. For example, the straight chain hydrocarbon with two carbon atoms is called ethane (C2H6).

4. **Examples**:
- Ethane (C2H6) is a straight chain hydrocarbon with two carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms.
- Butane (C4H10) is another example, consisting of four carbon atoms in a straight chain.

5. **Visual Representation**:
A straight chain hydrocarbon can be represented as a series of carbon atoms connected in a line, with hydrogen atoms filling the remaining valencies of the carbon atoms.