Types of Decomposition Reaction

The decomposition reactions are majorly classified into three types:

• Thermal Decomposition Reaction
• Electrolytic Decomposition Reaction
• Photo Decomposition Reaction

Thermal Decomposition Reaction

A single substance can split into two or more simple substances when heated in a chemical process known as thermal decomposition or Thermolysis. Since heat is necessary to break the substance’s bonds, the reaction is usually endothermic.

For example, when potassium chlorate is heated it decomposed into potassium chloride and oxygen i.e.,

Electrolytic Decomposition Reaction

When an electric current is passed through an aqueous solution of a substance, electrolytic decomposition may occur. It is also called Electrolysis.

Water electrolysis works as a good example of an Electrolytic Decomposition Reaction.

Photo Decomposition Reaction

Photo decomposition is a chemical reaction in which a chemical compound is split up into simple substances by exposure to light (photons). 

For example, when a small amount of silver chloride (AgCl) is taken in a watch glass and exposed to the sun for a while. The crystals gradually start to turn grey. Analysis reveals that silver chloride has broken down into silver and chlorine due to sunshine as shown below:

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?”.