What is the primary product of the combustion of hydrocarbons?

The primary product of the combustion of hydrocarbons is carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). When hydrocarbons, which consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms, undergo combustion in the presence of oxygen, a chemical reaction occurs that typically produces these two main products.

The process can be summarized by the general equation for hydrocarbon combustion:

[ \text{Hydrocarbon} + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + H_2O + \text{Energy} ]

During this reaction, the carbon atoms from the hydrocarbon combine with oxygen to form carbon dioxide, while the hydrogen atoms combine with oxygen to form water. This release of energy is what makes combustion a highly exothermic reaction, commonly exploited in engines and heating systems.

In certain conditions, especially with limited oxygen supply, incomplete combustion may occur, leading to the formation of by-products like carbon monoxide (CO), but the principal products in complete combustion scenarios are indeed carbon dioxide and water. Thus, the correct identification of the primary products highlights the nature of hydrocarbon combustion in general scenarios.