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The combustion of carbon that results in the formation of carbon monoxide (CO) is classified as incomplete combustion. This occurs when there is insufficient oxygen available for the chemical reaction, leading to the production of CO instead of carbon dioxide (CO2), which is produced during complete combustion. Incomplete combustion is characterized by the presence of soot or other carbon-containing residues, as well as harmful emissions like carbon monoxide, which is a toxic gas.

Complete combustion requires ample oxygen and yields only carbon dioxide and water as products, indicating that all carbon has been fully oxidized. The theoretical combustion concept refers more to ideal conditions rather than practical outcomes, and efficiency often pertains to how effectively fuel is converted to usable energy, rather than the products formed. Thus, the burning of carbon resulting in CO illustrates the concept of incomplete combustion due to the limited oxygen availability during the process.