Question

Potential energy remains same during the rotation about the carbon-carbon of n-butane.

(a) True

(b) False

This question was addressed to me in my homework.

My query is from Conformations topic in section Structure and Stereostructure of Molecules of Engineering Chemistry I

Answer 1

Right choice is (b) False

To elaborate: Potential energy changes during the rotation about the carbon-carbon of n-butane. The potential energy of n-butane is maximum for eclipsed conformations and minimum for staggered conformations.