Decomposition Reaction

What is Decomposition Reaction?

Decomposition reactions as the name suggests are the reaction in which a complex compound breaks down into smaller and simpler compounds. For example, we can consider the electrolysis of water i.e.,

H₂O (l) ⇢ 2H₂ (g) + O₂ (g)

Write 5 Examples of Decomposition Reactions.

Five examples of decomposition reactions are:

• Electrolysis of water.
• Decomposition of Hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.
• Decomposition of carbonic acid into water and carbon dioxide.
• Decomposition of Potassium of Chlorate into potassium chloride and oxygen.
• Decomposition of sodium hydroxide into sodium oxide and water.

All these reactions are discussed in the article above.

What are Types of Decomposition Reactions?

There are different types of decomposition reactions based on the type of energy given to the compound,

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

What is Electrolytic Decomposition Reaction?

When an electric electric current is passed through an aqueous solution of a substance, electrolytic decomposition may occur. Water electrolysis works as a good example for Electrolytic Decomposition Reaction.

What is Double Decomposition Reaction?

A double replacement reaction is a reaction between two compounds in which the positive ion of one molecule is exchanged for the positive ion of the other component. For example, zinc chloride and hydrogen sulphide gas are produced when zinc sulphide and hydrochloric acid react.

What is Thermal Decomposition Reaction?

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

Is Decomposition Reactions Exothermic or Endothermic?

Yes, almost all decomposition reactions required heat to breakdown, therefore are endothermic in nature. 

What is Difference Between Combination and Decomposition Reaction?

The major difference between Combination and Decomposition Reaction is that in a combination reaction, the reactants combine to form the product. However, in a decomposition reaction, one reactant can form two or more products by the breakage of bonds.

What is the Decomposition Reaction of Ferrous Sulphate?

Upon heating, ferrous sulphate decomposes into ferric oxide (Fe₂O₃), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and sulfur trioxide (SO₃). The reaction can be represented as:

2FeSO₄ → Fe2​O₃​ + SO₂​ + SO₃

What is the Decomposition Reaction of Copper Sulphate?

The decomposition reaction of copper sulphate (CuSO₄) involves heating, where it breaks down into copper(II) oxide (CuO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and oxygen (O₂). The reaction can be summarized as:

2CuSO₄​→2CuO+ 2SO₂ +O₂

What is the Decomposition Reaction of Lead Nitrate?

The decomposition reaction of lead nitrate (Pb(NO₃)₂) occurs upon heating, resulting in lead(II) oxide (PbO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and oxygen (O₂). The equation representing this reaction is:

2Pb(NO₃​)₂ → 2PbO + 4NO₂ + O₂

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?”.