Final answer:
Hexane is a hydrocarbon, specifically an alkane, because it consists of only carbon and hydrogen atoms. Its chemical formula confirms that it follows the general formula for alkanes. Therefore, hexane is classified as a hydrocarbon.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hexane is a hydrocarbon because it contains only carbon and hydrogen atoms. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that consist of chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Hexane has the formula C6H14, which follows the general formula for alkanes: CnH2n+2. Alkanes are hydrocarbons with only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms. Therefore, hexane is classified as a hydrocarbon and belongs to the group of alkanes.