saturated hydrocarbon: carbon-carbon atoms and carbon-hydrogen atoms are held together by single bonds.

unsaturated hydrocarbon: single, double or triple bonds between carbon-carbon atoms.
Double bond: alkenes
Triple bond: alkynes

Aliphatic hydrocarbons: straight chain structure, no ring. Derive from the chemical breakdown of fats or oils. They are divided into alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.

Cycloalkanes: one or multiple bonds rings; the hydrogen atom is attached to the carbon ring

"Hydrocarbons are chemical compounds that are utilized as the basis of the vast majority of global energy production."

"A variety of complex technologies and techniques have been developed for extracting hydrocarbons from deep within the earth."

"Because of the serious environmental cost of using hydrocarbons as a primary source of energy, it is likely that in the years and decades ahead, the movement away from hydrocarbons and toward alternative energy sources such as solar, nuclear, wind, and geothermal power will increase exponentially."

Aromatic hydrocarbons: Also known as arenes, at least one aromatic ring

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up of two elements (carbon and hydrogen) only, hence their source name.

The main source of hydrocarbons is crude oil. There are many hydrocarbons. They can be classified into two main classes: aliphatic and the aromatic hydrocarbons.