Question

Why is a combustion reaction an oxidation reaction?

Answer 1

Combustion reaction:

• Oxygen combines with a compound to form carbon dioxide and water.
• These reactions are exothermic, meaning they give off heat.

$\mathrm{A}+{\mathrm{O}}_2\to {\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}+{\mathrm{CO}}_2$

• It is always an oxidation reaction because when a substance is burned it requires oxygen which leads to the process of oxidation(Addition of oxygen).

For example:

${\mathrm{CH}}_4\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+2{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\to {\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{g}\right)$

Therefore, a combustion reaction is an oxidation reaction.