What is the basic chemical reaction that characterizes combustion?

The correct answer is oxidation, which is the fundamental chemical reaction that characterizes combustion. During combustion, a fuel reacts rapidly with oxygen, leading to the release of energy in the form of heat and light. This reaction is a type of oxidation because it involves the transfer of electrons from the fuel to the oxygen, resulting in the formation of combustion products such as carbon dioxide and water, along with the release of significant energy.

In contrast, hydration involves the chemical reaction of a substance with water and does not relate to the combustion process. Reduction refers to the gain of electrons by a substance, which is not the primary focus in the context of combustion. Decomposition, on the other hand, involves breaking down a compound into simpler products, which is also distinct from the simultaneous reaction of a fuel and oxygen that defines combustion.

Overall, understanding that combustion primarily entails an oxidation reaction helps clarify the essential role of oxygen and the energy transformation that occurs during this chemical process.