Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are classified as saturated or unsaturated based on the types of bonds between the carbon atoms.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
\[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{Saturated Hydrocarbons: These are hydrocarbons in which all the carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds. Each carbon atom is bonded to the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms. This class of hydrocarbons is known as alkanes. Their general formula is \(C_nH_{2n+2}\). } \\ \bullet & \text{Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: These are hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond or triple bond. They have fewer hydrogen atoms than the corresponding alkane.} \\ \bullet & \text{Alkenes contain at least one C=C double bond.} \\ \bullet & \text{Alkynes contain at least one C\(\equiv\)C triple bond.} \\ \end{array}\]
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Step 3: Final Answer:
Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons because they only contain carbon-carbon single bonds.