When a hydrocarbon burns completely in air, which products are typically formed?

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

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a hydrocarbon is a compound made up of only carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms.
2. Recall that complete combustion means the hydrocarbon reacts fully with oxygen (O_2) from the air, without any leftover fuel or oxygen.
3. Write the general equation for complete combustion of a hydrocarbon: \(\text{C}_x\text{H}_y + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O\).
4. Recognize that during complete combustion, carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon are fully oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO_2), and hydrogen atoms are fully oxidized to water (H_2O).
5. Conclude that the typical products of complete combustion of a hydrocarbon are carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O), not carbon (C), carbon monoxide (CO), or leftover oxygen (O_2).