Which of the following is an example of a hydrocarbon?

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that consist entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are primarily derived from fossil fuels and are found in various forms such as gases, liquids, and solids. Grease fits the definition of a hydrocarbon because it is often composed of long chains of hydrocarbons. These chains may be saturated or unsaturated, but the key aspect is their composition of carbon and hydrogen.

In contrast, sugar is a carbohydrate that contains additional elements like oxygen; deionized water is simply H2O and does not fit the hydrocarbon classification; table salt is sodium chloride, comprising sodium and chlorine, which also excludes it from being a hydrocarbon. Therefore, the choice of grease as an example of a hydrocarbon is correct, emphasizing its structure and chemical makeup as falling within that category.