To determine the type of reaction when charcoal (carbon) burns in the presence of oxygen to form carbon dioxide, we analyze the given chemical equation:
[tex]\[
C + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + \text{energy}
\][/tex]
In this reaction, carbon (C) combines with oxygen (O_2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO_2), and energy is released during the process. Let's evaluate each option to find the appropriate reaction type:
A. Decomposition:
- In a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This type of reaction would look like:
[tex]\[
AB \rightarrow A + B
\][/tex]
Since our equation involves the combination of carbon and oxygen to form a single compound rather than the breaking down of one, this is not a decomposition reaction.
B. Replacement:
- In a replacement (or displacement) reaction, one element replaces another in a compound, or elements in two different compounds switch places. This type of reaction can be represented as:
[tex]\[
A + BC \rightarrow AC + B \quad \text{(single replacement)}
\][/tex]
or
[tex]\[
AB + CD \rightarrow AD + CB \quad \text{(double replacement)}
\][/tex]
Our equation does not involve this kind of replacement or exchange of elements, so this is not a replacement reaction either.
C. Endothermic:
- In an endothermic reaction, energy is absorbed from the surroundings. You would typically see such reactions with energy being added on the reactant side:
[tex]\[
\text{reactants} + \text{energy} \rightarrow \text{products}
\][/tex]
Our equation specifies that energy is released, not absorbed, which means this reaction is not endothermic.
D. Exothermic:
- In an exothermic reaction, energy is released into the surroundings, usually in the form of heat. The chemical equation will indicate this by showing energy as a product:
[tex]\[
\text{reactants} \rightarrow \text{products} + \text{energy}
\][/tex]
This matches our given reaction, where energy is released as carbon burns in oxygen to form carbon dioxide.
Given the analysis, the correct type of reaction for the burning of charcoal is:
D. Exothermic
