In terms of hydrogen atoms, how do alkenes compare to alkanes?

Alkenes differ from alkanes in their structure, specifically in the presence of a carbon-carbon double bond. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms, allowing them to have the maximum number of hydrogen atoms bonded to their carbon skeleton. The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2.

On the other hand, alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons since they contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond. This double bond reduces the number of hydrogen atoms that can bond to the carbon chain. The general formula for alkenes is CnH2n, which indicates that alkenes have two fewer hydrogen atoms than alkanes.

Consequently, the correct answer reflects the fact that alkenes, due to the presence of the carbon-carbon double bond, have two fewer hydrogen atoms compared to their saturated counterparts, alkanes. This difference is crucial in understanding the reactivity and characteristics of each type of hydrocarbon.