Which of the following is an example of a hydrocarbon fuel?

Which of the following is an example of a hydrocarbon fuel?

• A. Alcohol
• B. Acetone
• C. Acids
• D. Gasoline

Answer: (D)

Hydrocarbon fuels are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms only, and they release energy when burned in air. Gasoline fits this description because it is a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules derived from petroleum, such as various C-H compounds that burn to produce energy for engines. The other options contain atoms other than carbon and hydrogen—alcohols, acetone, and acids all include oxygen in their structures—so they are not classified as hydrocarbons, even though some can also be fuels in different contexts.

Hydrocarbon fuels are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms only, and they release energy when burned in air. Gasoline fits this description because it is a mixture of hydrocarbon molecules derived from petroleum, such as various C-H compounds that burn to produce energy for engines. The other options contain atoms other than carbon and hydrogen—alcohols, acetone, and acids all include oxygen in their structures—so they are not classified as hydrocarbons, even though some can also be fuels in different contexts.