What is the primary purpose of a combustion reaction?

The primary purpose of a combustion reaction is to release energy by burning a fuel in the presence of oxygen. In a combustion reaction, a fuel such as hydrocarbons (like gasoline or wood) reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water along with the release of energy, typically in the form of heat and light. This release of energy is why combustion is often used in engines, heating systems, and various processes that require a source of energy.

In contrast, absorbing energy from the surroundings refers to endothermic reactions, which do not characterize combustion. The formation of new chemical compounds without energy release does not accurately describe combustion, as this process is inherently exothermic, meaning it does release energy. Similarly, creating a polymer through bonding processes pertains to polymerization reactions rather than combustion. Thus, option B accurately defines the primary purpose of a combustion reaction.