Question

Could someone explain to me how to recognize when a combustion reaction takes place?

Answer 1

This is located in Chapter 8 of Modern Chemistry by Holt, Rineheart, and Winston.
I think you can recognize it when the product includes oxygen in the compound(s). However, I am not sure.

Answer 2

I think this is a Combustion Reaction:
\[4NaCO _{3}\rightarrow2Na _{2}O+4CO _{2}\]

Answer 3

That would not be a combustion reaction, a combustion reaction would only take place if there is oxygen in the reactants, and normally the other is a hydrocarbon. The products usually are carbon dioxide and water. So this would look like , the equation you posted is a decomposition reaction.