What happens during complete combustion of hydrocarbons?

During the complete combustion of hydrocarbons, the primary reaction involves the hydrocarbon reacting with oxygen. The molecular structure of hydrocarbons, which are compounds consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, allows them to react with an adequate supply of oxygen to form two principal products: carbon dioxide and water.

In this process, the carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon are oxidized to carbon dioxide, while the hydrogen atoms are oxidized to form water. This synthesis is a highly exothermic reaction, meaning it releases energy, typically in the form of heat and light, which is why combustion is commonly harnessed for fuel and energy.

When considering the other options, they do not accurately represent the products formed during complete combustion. For instance, if only water were produced, it would imply that no carbon dioxide is formed, which contradicts the combustion process associated with hydrocarbons. Similarly, the notion that oxygen is consumed without producing carbon dioxide also misrepresents the chemical reaction, as carbon dioxide is a key product in the complete combustion of hydrocarbons. Finally, stating that only carbon dioxide is generated overlooks the essential role of water as a product of the combustion reaction, thus failing to capture the full nature of complete combustion.