The reaction of carbon with oxygen to form carbon dioxide is a combustion reaction.

Here's why:

* Combustion is a chemical process that involves the rapid reaction between a substance with an oxidant, usually oxygen, to produce heat and light.

* In this case, carbon (the fuel) reacts with oxygen (the oxidant) to produce carbon dioxide (the product), along with heat and light (the energy released).

The chemical equation for this reaction is:

C + O₂ → CO₂