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Multiple Choice
In the combustion of a hydrocarbon, which of the following products are always formed?
A
C and H2O
B
CO and H2
C
CO2 and O2
D
CO2 and H2O
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the combustion reaction of a hydrocarbon, which generally involves a hydrocarbon (composed of carbon and hydrogen) reacting with oxygen (O\_2) from the air.
Step 2: Write the general combustion reaction for a hydrocarbon \( C_xH_y \):
\[ C_xH_y + O_2 \rightarrow \text{products} \]
Step 3: Recognize that complete combustion of a hydrocarbon produces carbon dioxide (CO\_2) and water (H\_2O) as products because carbon atoms combine with oxygen to form CO\_2, and hydrogen atoms combine with oxygen to form H\_2O.
Step 4: Note that incomplete combustion can produce carbon monoxide (CO) or even elemental carbon (C), but these are not always formed; they depend on oxygen availability.
Step 5: Conclude that the products always formed in complete combustion of hydrocarbons are carbon dioxide (CO\_2) and water (H\_2O), which matches the correct answer.