Which category do hydrocarbons belong to?

Hydrocarbons belong to the category of organic biological substances because they are primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms, which are fundamental building blocks of organic chemistry. Organic compounds are defined by the presence of carbon, and hydrocarbons fit this definition as they are carbon-based compounds. They are typically derived from natural sources, such as fossil fuels, and are integral to various biological processes, making them organic in nature.

The other categories do not accurately describe hydrocarbons. Biological substances include a wide range of natural compounds, but not all biological substances are hydrocarbons. Synthetic substances refer to materials that are artificially created, often through chemical processes, which is distinct from the natural sources hydrocarbons are commonly derived from. Mineral substances typically refer to inorganic compounds, which do not include hydrocarbons since they are organic in composition. This understanding of hydrocarbons and their classification is essential when studying organic chemistry and its applications in fields like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science.