Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with a general molecular formula of $C_n{H}_{2n+2}$. Which of the following molecular formulas represents an alkane? (a) $C_4{H}_8$ (b) $C_6{H}_{12}$ (c) $C_8{H}_{18}$ (d) $C_{10}{H}_{20}$

Describe the typical reaction conditions necessary to carry out the catalytic cracking of long-chain hydrocarbons.

Complete the following equation for the cracking of octadecane ($C_{18}{H}_{38}$): $C_{18}{H}_{38}\to C_{13}{H}_{28}+\_\_\_\_$

Explain why the reactant $C_{18}{H}_{38}$ has a significantly higher boiling point than the product $C_{13}{H}_{28}$.