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Hydrocarbons

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Definition:
Organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon, primarily found in fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas.

Key Components:

  • Methane (CH₄)
  • Propane (C₃H₈)
  • Butane (C₄H₁₀)

Use Cases/Industries:

  • Oil & gas production
  • Petrochemicals manufacturing
  • Industrial energy generation

Advantages:

  • High energy density
  • Readily available and scalable
  • Essential for various industrial applications

Challenges:

  • Contributes to greenhouse gas emissions
  • Finite resource with depletion concerns
  • Environmental and geopolitical risks

Related Terms:
Fossil Fuels, Carbon Emissions, Energy Density

Example:
Natural gas, a type of hydrocarbon, is used in combined-cycle power plants to generate electricity efficiently.

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Synonyms:
Synonyms: Petroleum Compounds, Fossil Fuel Hydrocarbons, Organic Fuel Sources
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