Which type of chemical reaction is described when a fuel combines with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO_2) and water (H_2O)?

• A. Precipitation
• B. Combustion
• C. Decomposition
• D. Neutralization

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Identify the reactants and products in the given reaction. The problem states that a fuel reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO\_2) and water (H\_2O).
2. Step 2: Recall the general types of chemical reactions. Common types include precipitation, decomposition, neutralization, and combustion.
3. Step 3: Understand the characteristics of each reaction type: Precipitation involves the formation of a solid from two aqueous solutions; decomposition involves breaking down a compound into simpler substances; neutralization involves an acid reacting with a base to form water and a salt; combustion involves a substance (usually a hydrocarbon fuel) reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.
4. Step 4: Match the reaction described (fuel + oxygen → CO\_2 + H\_2O) to the reaction type. Since the products are carbon dioxide and water formed from a fuel and oxygen, this fits the definition of a combustion reaction.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the reaction described is a combustion reaction because it involves the burning of a fuel in oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.