What type of reaction occurs when one compound reacts and is broken down into different elements or simpler compounds?
1 Answer
Explanation:
When a binary compound breaks down into separate elements OR when compounds break down into simpler compounds, it is known as a decomposition reaction.
The general formula for decomposition reactions are:
Binary compounds:
#HgO(s) -> Hg(l)+O_"2"(s)#
#2H_"2"O (l) -> 2H_"2" (s) + O_"2" (s)#
#2NaCl (s) -> 2Na (s) + Cl_"2" (g)#
Simple compounds:
When a metal carbonate breaks down, it yields a metal oxide and carbon dioxide.
#CaCO_"3" (s) -> CaO (s) + CO_"2" (g)#
When a metal hydroxide breaks down, it yields a metal oxide and water. Acids work the same way, but no formation of a metal compound.
#Mg(OH)_"2" (aq) -> MgO (s) + H_"2"O (l)#
#H_"3"PO_"4" (aq) -> P_"2"O_"5" (s) + H_"2"O (l)#
When a chlorate breaks down, it yields a binary salt and oxygen gas.
#KClO_"3" (s) -> KCl (s) + O_"2" (g)#
Hope this helps :)
