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Many different types of compounds contain hydrogen and carbon - but along with other elements such as oxygen. A molecule that consists *only* of hydrogen and carbon typically refers to a class of compounds called hydrocarbons. A larger group of organic molecules that also contain oxygen are called carbohydrates.

It may be useful to think of a hydrocarbon as a carbon "backbone" off of which hydrogen atoms anchor themselves to. The number of carbon atoms that make up this "backbone" determine the name of the specific type of hydrocarbon.

For example, a hydrocarbon with 2 carbon atoms along its "backbone" and 3 hydrogen atoms attach to each carbon (6 total) is referred to as ethane. 3 Carbons and 8 hydrogen is propane. 4 carbons and 10 hydrogen is Butane. 5 carbon and 12 hydrogen is pentane, and so on.

Hydrocarbons as a compound typically refer to petroleum-derived products such as gasoline, various types of waxes, oils and natural gases. In the field of architecture, it may be used very loosely to describe the fuels that power a building (coal, natural gas, diesel generators, etc). It may also be used very loosely (and perhaps inaccurately) when people describe various materials typically used as epoxy sealants and bituminous roofing products.

In the most broad sense, hydrocarbons generally refer to fuel that has to be removed from deep layers of the Earth's crust (fossil fuels). These molecules are dense with energy and thus when combusted provide the power that many civilizations have used. Unfortunately, when hydrocarbons are combusted - they release by-products into the air (Carbon Dioxide) that can build up to the point where the Earth has difficulty releasing some of the heat it absorbs from the sun back into space. This is referred to as the "greenhouse effect" and many experts in atmospheric sciences and environmental science believe that if the reliance on Hydrocarbons continues - the greenhouse effect will become pronounced and produce a sequence of detrimental changes to the environment.

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Q: What is a compound made of hydrogen and carbon called?
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Are most substances elements?

All substances are MADE FROM elements but they are not elements. For example CH4 is made of one carbon atom and four Hydrogen atoms. Carbon and Hydrogen are pure elements but CH4 is not an element.


What element is the main component of carbohydrates?

The word "carbohydrate" is made up of the names of three elements: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Which is the main one? Well, the hydrogen will outnumber the others but carbon is the backbone of these molecules, so you pick.


What elements contain carbohydrates?

The three elements found in carbohydrates are hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are found in many foods. They help the body produce energy, but too many carbohydrates can cause a person to gain weight.


Why is planet earth the only planet with air?

It depends on how you define air. Other planets in the solar system have atmospheres, but they have different compositions from Earth's atmosphere, which may or may not be called air. The gas planets have atmospheres made mostly of hydrogen and helium while Venus and Mars have atmospheres made mostly of carbon dioxide. The air we are familiar with is mostly nitrogen and oxygen. When Earth was young it likely had a carbon dioxide atmosphere as well, but through photosynthesis algae took carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere are replaced it with oxygen. More carbon dioxide was removed in bodies of water and deposited as carbonate rocks. The nitrogen, already present in the atmosphere, remained.


What minerals are found in a pencil?

The part of the pencil that does the actual writing, called the pencil lead, is actually made of a mineral called graphite.

Related questions

A compound that is made up only of carbon and hydrogen is called a(n) .?

This is a hydrocarbon.


What compound is made up of hydrogen and carbon?

Hydrocarbons are families of compounds that contain only hydrogen and carbon.


Is a carbohydrate an element?

No. Carbohydrates are in a class of compound called organic compounds. Organic compounds have in common certain combinations of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Living things are full of them.


Do hydrogen and carbon make a compound?

Yes it does because every time something has carbon and hydrogen in it then it is indeed a compound. There are many compounds made of nothing but hydrogen and carbon. That class of compounds is named hydrocarbons.


What is made out of gas?

Natural gas is largely made up of a gas called methane. Methane is a chemical compound made up of carbon and hydrogen. One atom of carbon along with four atoms hydrogen,(CH4).


What elements is the compound made ofxanthophyll?

Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen


A compound that is made up only of carbon and hydrogen is?

hydrocarbon


Is hydrocarbon a compound made of hydrogen and carbon atoms?

Yes.


What type of compound is made of only carbon and hydrogen?

a hydrocarbon


What is the substance made of particles eachcontaining 6 carbon 12 hydrogen and 6 oxygen atomes called an element mixture solution or a compound?

Compound


What is natural gas made out of?

Natural gas is largely made up of a gas called methane. Methane is a chemical compound made up of carbon and hydrogen. One atom of carbon along with four atoms hydrogen,(CH4).


What is a compound made form carbon and hydrogen and oxygen?

Carboxylic acid