Which root name indicates a hydrocarbon chain with ten carbon atoms?

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Study for the MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Exam. Practice with multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations and hints. Excel in your exam and achieve your target score!

The root name that indicates a hydrocarbon chain with ten carbon atoms is "Dec-." The prefix "Dec-" is derived from the Latin word for ten. In organic chemistry, hydrocarbon chains are named based on the number of carbon atoms they contain, and each prefix corresponds to a specific number of carbons.

For example, other commonly used prefixes include "Meth-" for one carbon, "Eth-" for two, "Prop-" for three, "But-" for four, "Pent-" for five, "Hex-" for six, "Hept-" for seven, "Oct-" for eight, and "Non-" for nine. Following this sequence, "Dec-" is the root name used for a chain containing ten carbon atoms.

In contrast, "Non-" corresponds to nine carbons, "Undec-" corresponds to eleven carbons, and "Hex-" corresponds to six carbons. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the standard naming convention used in organic chemistry for hydrocarbons, making "Dec-" the appropriate choice for a ten-carbon chain.

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