The correct answer is C. Hydrocarbons.
Petroleum is a naturally occurring liquid found in geological formations beneath the Earth’s surface. It is a mixture of hydrocarbons, which are compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. The hydrocarbons in petroleum are typically in the form of gases, liquids, and solids.
The composition of petroleum varies depending on the source of the oil. However, most petroleum contains a mixture of the following hydrocarbons:
- Alkanes: These are the simplest hydrocarbons, and they are made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms that are linked together in a straight chain. Alkanes are the most common type of hydrocarbon in petroleum.
- Alkenes: These hydrocarbons have one or more double bonds between the carbon atoms. Alkenes are less common than alkanes, but they are still an important component of petroleum.
- Alkynes: These hydrocarbons have one or more triple bonds between the carbon atoms. Alkynes are the least common type of hydrocarbon in petroleum.
In addition to hydrocarbons, petroleum also contains small amounts of other compounds, such as sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen. These compounds can affect the properties of petroleum, such as its color, odor, and flammability.
Petroleum is a valuable resource because it can be used to produce a variety of products, including gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, asphalt, and plastics.