The general formula for saturated hydrocarbons refers to compounds that only have single bonds between carbon atoms. Option 1, CnH2n + 2, is the correct formula. Let`s dissect the formula to better understand it.
The "Cn" represents the number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon. The "H2n" represents the number of hydrogen atoms, which is double the number of carbon atoms. This is because each carbon atom forms 4 bonds, with 2 of those bonds being shared with other carbon atoms and the remaining 2 bonds being shared with hydrogen atoms.
The "+ 2" in the formula accounts for the two additional hydrogen atoms, which are present in all saturated hydrocarbons. This is because each carbon atom at the ends of the hydrocarbon chain only forms 3 bonds, leaving one bond available to bond with an additional hydrogen atom.
The other options, option 2 (CnH2ri_2), option 3 (CnH2n + 1), and option 4 (CnH2n_!), are incorrect formulas. Therefore, the correct answer is option 1, CnH2n + 2.