The conversion of carbon, oxygen, and iron(III) oxide to iron, as represented by the given chemical equation, is an oxidation-reduction reaction, where both oxidation and reduction processes take place simultaneously.
When we analyze the given chemical equation 2Fe₂O₃ (s) + 3C (s) → 4Fe (s) + 3CO₂ (g), we can identify that this reaction involves both oxidation and reduction processes. Here, iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃) is being reduced to elemental iron (Fe), as it loses oxygen. Simultaneously, carbon (C) is being oxidized to carbon dioxide (CO₂).
Because oxidation and reduction are happening concurrently, this is characterized as an oxidation-reduction reaction, or redox reaction. Therefore, the correct type of reaction for the conversion of carbon, oxygen, and iron(III) oxide to iron would be an oxidation-reduction reaction.
In combustion reactions, a substance typically reacts with oxygen to produce a form of heat or light, which is not the case here. Moreover, we are not creating a single compound from elements or simpler compounds (synthesis), nor are we breaking down a compound into elements or simpler compounds (decomposition), which rules out other options.