Hydrocarbons
Definition
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are the main components of fossil fuels and contribute to air pollution when they are released into the atmosphere.
Analogy
Think of hydrocarbons as a group of friends at a party. Each friend represents a carbon atom, and they hold hands with their other friend, which represents a hydrogen atom. The more friends there are holding hands, the bigger the hydrocarbon molecule becomes.
Related terms
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are specific types of hydrocarbons that easily evaporate into the air at room temperature.
Greenhouse Gases: Some hydrocarbons, like methane and ethane, act as greenhouse gases by trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere.
Combustion: This term refers to the process of burning hydrocarbons for energy production or transportation purposes.
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