What is indicated by the prefixes cis- and trans-?A.The type of stereoisomerB.The location of the methyl groupC.The type of alkaneD.The size of the molecule

The prefixes "cis-" and "trans-" are used in chemistry to indicate the relative positions of substituents (such as methyl groups) around a double bond or a ring structure in a molecule.

1. Cis- means that the substituents are on the same side of the double bond or ring.
2. Trans- indicates that the substituents are on opposite sides.

Therefore, these prefixes help to identify the type of stereoisomerism present in the compound. In this context, the best choice from the options provided is:

A. The type of stereoisomer.

This is because the designation of a molecule as cis or trans directly relates to its stereochemistry and the spatial arrangement of its substituents. Proper understanding of these prefixes is essential for discussing the physical and chemical properties of the substances involved.