Decomposition Reaction Examples
Here are some important examples of Decomposition Reactions:
Electrolysis of Water
The electrolysis process is an excellent example of a decomposition reaction. The reaction takes place by breaking down molecules by passing electricity.
H2O (l) ⇢ 2H2 (g) + O2 (g)
Decomposition Reaction of Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen in the presence of light, as shown below:
Decomposition Reaction of KClO3
The decomposition reaction of potassium chlorate (KClO3) can be represented by the following balanced chemical equation:
2KClO3(s) → 2KCl(s) + 3O2(g)
In this reaction, solid potassium chlorate (KClO3) decomposes into solid potassium chloride (KCl) and oxygen (O2). The reaction is typically initiated by potassium chlorate, which provides the energy required for the decomposition to occur.
Decomposition Reaction of Metal Carbonates
When metal carbonates are heated, it gets decomposed into their metal oxides and carbon dioxide. For Example, Calcium carbonate get decomposed to Calcium oxide and Carbon Dioxide while, Sodium Carbonate get decomposed to Sodium oxide and Carbon Dioxide, as shown below:
Decomposition Reaction of Metal Hydroxides
On heating, metal hydroxides break down into metal oxides and water. Thus, Water and sodium oxide is produced during the breakdown of sodium hydroxide, as shown below:
Decomposition Reaction of Oxy Acids
The decomposition of oxy acids leads to the production of carbon dioxide and water as shown below:
Decomposition Reaction
Have you ever wondered what happens when compounds break apart into simpler substances? Or how energy is released, and new compounds are formed? The answers to these questions lie in the concept of Decomposition Reaction. Decomposition Reactions are a key concept in the understanding of the chemical breakdown of a complex substance. In this article we will learn about this reaction in detail, also we will learn various examples and their types as well. So, let’s start the article by answering the question “What is a Decomposition Reaction?”.