Final answer:
The equation C10H8 + 12O2 → 10 CO2 + 4H2O describes a combustion reaction, where naphthalene (C10H8) reacts with oxygen (O2) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation that describes a combustion reaction is:
C10H8 + 12O2 → 10 CO2 + 4H2O.
This is because a combustion reaction involves a substance reacting with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), often releasing heat and light. In the reaction given, naphthalene (C10H8) combusts with oxygen (O2) to form carbon dioxide and water, fitting the definition of a combustion reaction. Other examples of combustion reactions include the burning of hydrocarbons, like the combustion of ethanol (C2H5OH), which also produces CO2 and H2O as products.