C + O₂ → 2CO

Here's the breakdown:

* C: Represents carbon.

* O₂: Represents oxygen gas, which exists naturally as a diatomic molecule.

* CO: Represents carbon monoxide.

Explanation:

Carbon (C) reacts with oxygen (O₂) in a process called combustion to produce carbon monoxide (CO). This reaction requires heat to initiate and is typically incomplete, meaning not all the carbon reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide (CO₂).

Note: While the equation does not explicitly mention carbon dioxide, it is important to understand that carbon monoxide formation often occurs alongside the production of carbon dioxide, particularly in incomplete combustion.