The complete combustion of pure carbon fuel (like coal or charcoal) is a simple reaction that produces carbon dioxide and heat:

C + O₂ → CO₂ + heat

Here's what the equation means:

* C: Represents a carbon atom.

* O₂: Represents oxygen gas (diatomic oxygen).

* CO₂: Represents carbon dioxide gas.

* heat: Indicates that the reaction releases energy in the form of heat.

Explanation:

* When carbon (C) reacts with oxygen (O₂), it undergoes a chemical reaction known as combustion.

* This reaction releases a large amount of energy, which is why we use carbon-based fuels like coal for power generation.

* The carbon atoms combine with oxygen atoms to form carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas.

Important Note: This equation represents the ideal scenario of complete combustion. In reality, burning carbon-based fuels often results in incomplete combustion, leading to the production of other byproducts like carbon monoxide (CO) and soot.