The given chemical reaction is the burning of carbon in air to form carbon dioxide gas:
\[
C + O_2 \rightarrow CO_2
\]
Step 1: Types of reactions.
- Combination reaction: In a combination reaction, two or more reactants combine to form a single product. In this case, carbon (C) combines with oxygen (O\(_2\)) to form carbon dioxide (CO\(_2\)), which is a combination reaction.
- Displacement reaction: A displacement reaction involves the replacement of an element in a compound by another element. This is not applicable in the given reaction.
- Double displacement reaction: This type of reaction involves the exchange of ions between two compounds. It is not applicable to the given reaction, as no exchange of ions occurs here.
- Decomposition reaction: A decomposition reaction occurs when a single compound breaks down into two or more products. The given reaction does not involve the breakdown of a compound.
Step 2: Conclusion.
The given reaction is an example of a combination reaction, where two reactants (carbon and oxygen) combine to form a single product (carbon dioxide). The correct answer is (A).