An unknown hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. The number of oxygen molecules in the reactants is the same as the number of hydrocarbon molecules. What are the two possibilities for the molecular formula of the hydrocarbon?

Explanation:

Hydrocarbon combustion refers to the chemical reaction where a hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen to create carbon dioxide, water, and heat. Hydrocarbons are molecules consisting of both hydrogen and carbon. They are most famous for being the primary constituent of fossil fuels, namely natural gas, petroleum, and coal. For this reason, fossil fuel resources are often referred to as hydrocarbon resources.[1] Energy is obtained from fossil fuels through combustion (burning) of the fuel. Although impurities exist in fossil fuels, hydrocarbon combustion is the primary process in the burning of fossil fuel.