Polymeric plastics used in construction and consumer goods are organic compounds of carbon combined with which elements? Select the most inclusive and accurate statement based on common polymer chemistry.

Introduction / Context:
Most plastics are organic polymers consisting of chains of carbon atoms. Their properties are tuned by the presence of other common elements in the backbone or side groups. The question asks for the broad elemental combinations typically found in commodity and engineering plastics.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Hydrocarbon backbones (C–H) are fundamental to many polymers.
• Functionalized polymers introduce heteroatoms like O and N for specific properties.
• We consider common building, packaging, and consumer polymers.

Concept / Approach:
While polyethylene and polypropylene are mainly carbon and hydrogen, many widely used plastics include oxygen and/or nitrogen (e.g., polyamides with amide groups, polyesters with ester linkages). Thus, the most inclusive, accurate statement is that plastics are compounds of carbon with hydrogen and may also include nitrogen and oxygen depending on the polymer family.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Polymer chemistry texts list repeat units and functional groups confirming heteroatom presence in numerous commercial plastics, directly influencing adhesion, barrier properties, and thermal behavior.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Hydrogen-only / Nitrogen-only / Oxygen-only choices are too restrictive; real-world polymers span multiple families.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming all plastics are pure hydrocarbons; overlooking that additives and copolymerization further diversify elemental composition.

Final Answer:
All of these (plastics contain carbon with hydrogen and may also include nitrogen and/or oxygen)