Explain decomposition reaction IN DETAIL
Answers
Answer:
decomposition reaction can be defined as a chemical reaction in which one reactant breaks down into two or more products.
Explanation:
What is a Decomposition Reaction?
A decomposition reaction can be defined as a chemical reaction in which one reactant breaks down into two or more products.
General Reaction Format
The general format of a decomposition reaction is provided below.
AB -> A + B
Where AB is the parent molecule (reactant) and A & B are the product molecules.
Decomposition reaction examples
Decomposition reactions happen all around us, but we often don’t notice them. Some common examples of decomposition reactions are provided below.
The decomposition of carbonic acid in soft drinks, which can be represented by the chemical equation H2CO3 → H2O + CO2
The electrolysis of water to yield hydrogen and oxygen.
What is the Opposite of ‘Decomposition Reaction’?
The opposite of a decomposition reaction is a combination reaction. Such reactions involve the formation of a single product from two or more reactants.
Are all Decomposition Reactions Endothermic?
No, not all decomposition reactions are endothermic. A decomposition reaction can be both endothermic or exothermic. However, the latter is more common than the former. For example:
The decomposition of NO to N2 & O2 is exothermic.
Decomposition of ozone (O3) to oxygen (O2) is exothermic.
What are the Applications of Decomposition Reactions?
One major application of decomposition reactions is in the extraction of metals from their ores. For example, zinc can be obtained from calamine by subjecting it to a decomposition reaction. In a similar manner, sodium can be obtained from sodium chloride (NaCl).
Double Decomposition Reaction
A double decomposition reaction is a type of decomposition reaction in which two constituent reactants interchange positive and negative ions and form two new compounds.