When a hydrocarbon undergoes complete combustion, it reacts with oxygen (O₂) to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).
Let’s consider a common hydrocarbon, such as methane (CH₄). The balanced chemical equation for the complete combustion of methane is:
[tex]\[ CH₄ + 2O₂ \rightarrow CO₂ + 2H₂O \][/tex]
From this reaction, it is evident that carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O) are the products of the complete combustion. Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\[ \text{CO₂} \text{ and } \text{H₂O} \][/tex]
Hence, the products of the complete combustion of any hydrocarbon are:
[tex]\[ \text{CO₂} + \text{H₂O} \][/tex]