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Carbon forms the backbone of Biology for all life on Earth. Complex molecules are made up of carbon bonded with other elements, especially oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen, and carbon is able to bond with all of these because of its four valence electrons. It is often assumed in astrobiology that if life exists somewhere else in the universe, it will also be carbon based. This assumption is referred to by critics as carbon chauvinism.

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Basic particle of an element?

Hydrocarbon?


Is lithium a hydrocarbon?

No, lithium is not a hydrocarbon. Lithium is a chemical element that belongs to the alkali metal group on the periodic table. Hydrocarbons are compounds consisting of hydrogen and carbon atoms.


What is the atomic number for butane?

Butane is not an element, but a complex hydrocarbon molecule, C4H10.


What is a molecule containing only carbon and hydrogen called?

A hydrocarbon.


Is a hydrocarbon the same thing as a halogenated carbon?

No, a hydrocarbon is a compound containing C and H only, whereas halogenation is the addition of a halogen (group VII element)


Is chlorine made from oil?

NO - chlorine is an element. Oil is a hydrocarbon, made of hydrogen and carbon.


How is a substituted hydrocarbon created from a hydrocarbon chain?

A substituted hydrocarbon is created from a hydrocarbon chain by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with a different functional group, such as an alcohol, halogen, or nitro group. This substitution reaction can be achieved through various chemical reactions, such as halogenation, hydroxylation, or nitration, depending on the desired functional group to be added to the hydrocarbon chain.


Is kerosene an element?

No, kerosene is not an element. It is a flammable hydrocarbon liquid mixture commonly used as a fuel. It is composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded together.


Is helium a hydrocarbon?

No, helium is not a hydrocarbon. Helium is a noble gas and is chemically inert, meaning it does not readily react with other elements to form compounds like hydrocarbons which contain carbon and hydrogen atoms.


What element does hydrocarbon contain?

Hydrocarbons primarily consist of hydrogen and carbon atoms.


What is hydrocarbon as symbols?

A hydrocarbon is a compound made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. In symbols, hydrocarbons are often represented as CxHy, where x and y represent the number of carbon and hydrogen atoms in the molecule, respectively.


What is the element for oil?

Oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons compounds. The three basic elements that make up a hydrocarbon are carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.