In a typical combustion reaction of a hydrocarbon in excess oxygen, which product(s) are most likely to be observed?

• A. CO and H_2
• B. CO_2 and H_2O
• C. CO_2 and O_2
• D. C and H_2O

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a combustion reaction involves a hydrocarbon reacting with oxygen (O_2) to produce combustion products.
2. Recognize that in complete combustion, the hydrocarbon is fully oxidized, producing carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O) as the main products.
3. Note that incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide (CO) or even carbon (C), but the problem specifies a typical combustion with excess oxygen, which favors complete combustion.
4. Recall the general combustion reaction formula for a hydrocarbon C_xH_y: \[ \mathrm{C_xH_y + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O} \]
5. Conclude that the most likely products observed in typical combustion with excess oxygen are carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O).