What are alkanes? What is their general formula? Write the IUPAC names and common names of members containing upto ten carbon atoms.

Alkanes or paraffin are saturated hydrocarbons having C–C and C–H bonds in their molecules. These are represented by the general formula C_nH_2n+2 where n may have value 1, 2, 3, 4......etc.
There is hardly any difference between IUPAC and common names of the members except that prefix n-(normal or straight chain) is used for common names of alkanes with four or more carbon atoms present in straight chains. The common name of the compound is written in the bracket.
When

n = 1 CH₄ Methane (Methane)
n = 2 C₂H₆ Ethane (Ethane)
n = 3 C₃H_g Propane (Propane)
n = 4 C₄H₁₀ Butane (n-Butane)
n = 5 C₅H₁₂ Pentane (n-Pentane)
n = 6 C₆H₁₄ Hexane (n-Hexane)
n = 7 C₇H₁₆ Heptane (n-Heptane)
n = 8 C8H₁₈ Octane (n-Octane)
n = 9 C₉H₂₀ Nonane (n-Nonane)
n=10 C₁₀H₂₂ Decane (n-Decane)