Catenation is the ability of an atom to form bonds with other atoms of the same element. Carbon has the highest catenation power among all elements. It combines with other carbon atoms to form long chains or rings. The ability to catenate is influenced by the steric and electronic factors like electronegativity of the element, the molecular orbitals of the element and also the ability to form different types of covalent bonds.

Allotropy is the phenomenon of existence of an element in more than one forms in the same physical state. For example, the two allotropes of carbon are buckminster, fullerene, graphite, etc.

Combustion is a chemical reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen present in the air to product heat and light energy. The substance which can burn is called combustible material.

Hydrocarbons are a class of organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbons are generally colourless and hydrophobic with only weak odours. Hydrocarbons are the principal constituents of petroleum and natural gas. They are used as fuels and lubricants as well as raw materials for the production of plastics, fibres, rubbers, solvents, explosives and industrial chemicals. Methane, ethane, propane, butane, etc., are examples of some common hydrocarbons.

A fuel is a substance that burns rapidly in the presence of oxygen to give a large quantity of useful heat, along with water vapour and carbon dioxide. fuel + oxygen → water vapour + carbon dioxide + heat