What happens to the carbon and hydrogen in a hydrocarbon during combustion?

During combustion, hydrocarbons react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy in the process. In this chemical reaction, both carbon and hydrogen undergo oxidation.

Oxidation is defined as the loss of electrons or an increase in oxidation state, which occurs when carbon and hydrogen atoms in hydrocarbons react with oxygen. When carbon is oxidized, it typically forms carbon dioxide, while hydrogen is oxidized to form water. As a result, the increase in the oxidation state of these elements signifies that they have been transformed into different products through the combustion process, thereby confirming that they are oxidized during this chemical reaction.

This understanding is crucial for recognizing how combustion plays a role in energy production and the effects of burning fossil fuels on the environment.