What two basic chemical elements are primarily found in petroleum products?

Petroleum products are primarily composed of hydrocarbons, which consist mainly of carbon and hydrogen atoms. These two elements combine in various ways to form the complex molecules that make up different types of petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel, and lubricating oils.

Carbon is essential because it can bond with itself and other elements, allowing for a vast array of molecular structures. Hydrogen completes these structures, filling the valency of carbon. The combination of carbon and hydrogen in various ratios leads to a diverse set of compounds that exhibit different properties and uses in fuel and energy sectors. This fundamental chemistry is why carbon and hydrogen are recognized as the two primary elements found in petroleum products.