What is a decomposition reaction? Give an example of a decomposition reaction. Describe an activity to illustrate such a reaction by heating.
Those reactions in which a compound splits up into two or more simple substances is called a decomposition reaction.
CaCO3 + Heat + Decomposition → CaO + CO2
When calcium carbonate is heated, it decomposes to give calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
Activity: When potassium Chlorate is heated in the presence of manganese dioxide catalyst, it decomposes to give potassium chloride and oxygen:
2KClO3(s) + Heat + Decomposition → 2KCl(s) + 3O2(g)
This decomposition takes place in the presence of heat and catalyst. In this decomposition reaction, a single compound, potassium chlorate, is splitting up into two simpler substances, potassium chloride and oxygen. This decomposition reaction is used for preparing oxygen gas in the laboratory.