Which of the following best describes hydrocarbons?

Which of the following best describes hydrocarbons?

• A. Compounds consisting of carbon and nitrogen
• B. Compounds that contain both ionic and covalent bonds
• C. Compounds consisting of carbon and hydrogen only
• D. Compounds made up of only metals

Answer: (C)

Hydrocarbons are defined as organic compounds that consist solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. This definition encompasses a wide variety of compounds, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons can be either saturated (with single bonds between carbon atoms) or unsaturated (containing one or more double or triple bonds). The presence of only carbon and hydrogen in these compounds is crucial, as it distinguishes hydrocarbons from other organic compounds that may contain additional elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, or halogens. This unique composition is fundamental to understanding the structure and reactivity of hydrocarbons in various chemical reactions and processes.

Hydrocarbons are defined as organic compounds that consist solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. This definition encompasses a wide variety of compounds, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons can be either saturated (with single bonds between carbon atoms) or unsaturated (containing one or more double or triple bonds). The presence of only carbon and hydrogen in these compounds is crucial, as it distinguishes hydrocarbons from other organic compounds that may contain additional elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, or halogens. This unique composition is fundamental to understanding the structure and reactivity of hydrocarbons in various chemical reactions and processes.