Question

Can a combustion reaction also be a synthesis reaction? I know that the reaction from burning magnesium is a combustion reaction, but I'm not sure if it's also a synthesis reaction since the equation is (Mg + O₂ → MgO).

A) Yes
B) No

Answer 1

Yes, a combustion reaction can also be a synthesis reaction, as illustrated by the burning of magnesium, which reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide while releasing heat and light.

Step-by-step explanation:

Can a combustion reaction also be a synthesis reaction? Yes, a combustion reaction can also be a synthesis reaction. One example is the burning of magnesium (Mg) in the presence of oxygen (O₂), which is a combustion reaction because it involves the rapid reaction of a substance with oxygen, releasing heat and light.

At the same time, it is also a synthesis reaction because this process results in the formation of a new compound, magnesium oxide (MgO), from the elements magnesium and oxygen.

The equation for this reaction is:

2Mg (s) + O₂(g) → 2MgO (s)

This equation showcases that magnesium reacts with oxygen in the air to produce magnesium oxide while releasing a significant amount of heat in the process, which is characteristic of combustion.