Why do larger alkanes release more energy on oxidation?

[SamuelTesla]

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As the number of carbons in an alkane increases, it become more stable, which it means it has lower energy. I also know that molecules that are higher in energy (more unstable) release more energy upon oxidation than molecules with lower energy (more stable).

But as the number of carbons in an alkane increases, the heat released per mole increases during oxidation Why?

 

[PiBond]

As the number of carbons in an alkane increases, it become more stable, which it means it has lower energy. I also know that molecules that are higher in energy (more unstable) release more energy upon oxidation than molecules with lower energy (more stable).

But as the number of carbons in an alkane increases, the heat released per mole increases during oxidation Why?

more carbon-carbon bonds to break

 

[SamuelTesla]

But doesn't it take energy to break a bond? So more bonds to break means it will take in more energy right?

 

[PiBond]

more energy is released than is required to start the reaction because we are forming stronger bonds--the bonds 0=C=0 (carbon dioxide) are stronger than the carbon carbon single bonds

 

[Didntdoit]

more energy is released than is required to start the reaction because we are forming stronger bonds--the bonds 0=C=0 (carbon dioxide) are stronger than the carbon carbon single bonds

This guy is right.

Change in products minus change in reactants determines the overall delta H for the reaction.