Final answer:
The main environmental problem arising from the complete combustion of alkane fuels is the production of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas. This contributes to the greenhouse effect, leading to increased surface temperatures and climate change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main environmental problem arising from the complete combustion of alkane fuels is the production of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas. When alkane fuels such as methane (CH4) and gasoline are burned, they release CO2 into the atmosphere. This contributes to the greenhouse effect, leading to increased surface temperatures and climate change.
For example, when gasoline is burned in vehicles or power stations, it releases CO2 as a byproduct. This CO2 then accumulates in the atmosphere and traps heat, contributing to global warming. The combustion of alkane fuels is a major contributor to anthropogenic climate change and the environmental challenges associated with it.