Science glossary film: Hydrocarbons

Any organic compound composed only of carbon and hydrogen. Because carbon atoms can form double and triple bonds, and chains and ring structures, this produces a huge variety of combinations. The simplest hydrocarbon molecules include methane, ethane, and propane. Like other hydrocarbons they are found in natural fossil fuel deposits, and are a major source of energy.

Because carbon atoms can form double and triple bonds, and chains and ring structures, this produces a huge variety of combinations. The simplest hydrocarbon molecules include methane, ethane, and propane. Like other hydrocarbons they are found in natural fossil fuel deposits, and are a major source of energy.