Question

What type of reaction occurs when complex compounds are broken down into simpler substances?

Answer 1

Decomposition reaction

Explanation:

A decomposition reaction is a reaction where complex compounds or molecules are broken down into simpler molecules. Usually, these reactions take a lot of activation energy to start the reaction, and that energy takes in the form of heat, thus making the reaction endothermic.

An example would be the thermal decomposition of limestone (calcium carbonate). The reaction for that is:

`CaCO_3(s)stackrel(Delta)->CaO(s)+CO_2(g)uarr`