A hydrocarbon is a chemical compound made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These compounds are the primary components of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Hydrocarbons can be classified into two main categories: aliphatic, which includes straight or branched chains, and aromatic, which contain ring structures. Hydrocarbons are essential in various industries, serving as fuels for energy and as raw materials for producing plastics, synthetic fibers, and other chemicals. Their properties and behavior depend on their structure, influencing their use in everyday products and energy generation.