Burning magnesium gives us magnesium oxide. this is an example of a reaction. is the common element involved with all chemical reactions of this kind.

The given reaction can be represented as,

In this reaction, two elements (Mg and ) combine to form a single compound, MgO. Hence, this reaction is an example of chemical combination or synthesis. Here as the element Mg is oxidized in the presence of to form MgO. This is referred to as combustion reaction. In combustion reaction, elements or compounds react with oxygen to give their respective oxides.