What kind of chemical components are produced when fossil fuels are burned?

When fossil fuels are burned, a variety of chemical components are generated, with one significant group being various nitrogen oxides (NOx). The combustion process does not only produce carbon dioxide; it also involves the reaction of nitrogen from the air at high temperatures, leading to the formation of nitrogen oxides. These compounds contribute to air pollution and the formation of smog and acid rain, making their production a vital aspect of understanding the environmental impact of fossil fuel combustion.

In contrast to the other options, which are either too limited or not entirely accurate regarding the byproducts of fossil fuel combustion, the presence of various nitrogen oxides highlights the complexity of emissions resulting from these fuels. Additionally, while carbon dioxide is a major product of fossil fuel burning, it is not the sole byproduct; thus indicating that other harmful emissions, including nitrogen oxides, must be considered when looking at the environmental effects of fossil fuel usage.