What are the primary products of complete combustion of a gaseous hydrocarbon?

The primary products of complete combustion of a gaseous hydrocarbon are carbon dioxide and water. In complete combustion, a hydrocarbon reacts with a sufficient amount of oxygen, resulting in the conversion of the carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon to carbon dioxide and the hydrogen atoms to water. This process releases energy, typically in the form of heat and light.

During complete combustion, every carbon atom in the hydrocarbon yields one molecule of carbon dioxide, and every two hydrogen atoms yield one molecule of water. This is why the reaction produces primarily CO2 and H2O, showing that the process is efficient when there is enough oxygen supplied.

In contrast, incomplete combustion can result in products like carbon monoxide, soot, or other hydrocarbons, which is not the case here. Understanding the distinction between complete and incomplete combustion is essential in fields such as chemistry and environmental science, as it affects combustion efficiency and the environmental impact of fuel use.