Which gas is primarily produced during a combustion reaction?

During a combustion reaction, a fuel reacts with oxygen to produce heat and light. The primary products of complete combustion of hydrocarbons, which are commonly used as fuels, include carbon dioxide and water. When organic materials containing carbon are burned in the presence of sufficient oxygen, the carbon in the fuel converts to carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that is a significant contributor to climate change.

While hydrogen is produced in some specific reactions, it is not a typical product of combustion itself but rather a component of some fuels (like hydrocarbons). Oxygen is a reactant, not a product, in combustion processes. Nitrogen is usually present in the air and may be involved in reactions but is not a product of the combustion of common fuels. Therefore, carbon dioxide is the primary gas produced, especially when discussing the complete combustion of organic materials.