Which of the following best describes hydrocarbons?

Hydrocarbons are defined as organic compounds that consist solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. This definition encompasses a wide variety of compounds, including alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons can be either saturated (with single bonds between carbon atoms) or unsaturated (containing one or more double or triple bonds). The presence of only carbon and hydrogen in these compounds is crucial, as it distinguishes hydrocarbons from other organic compounds that may contain additional elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, or halogens. This unique composition is fundamental to understanding the structure and reactivity of hydrocarbons in various chemical reactions and processes.