Chemical Reactions:
The process by which chemicals work together to form new chemical by means of different compositions are called chemical reactions and also where the reactants are transformed into products. The ways in which an element or compound undergoes changes in composition are stated by the chemical properties of the element or compound.
Usually, a chemical reaction will be represented by a chemical equation which will represent the change from reactants to products. In a chemical equation, the left-hand side will represent the reactants and the right-hand side will represent the products of the reaction. In order to show the relative amounts of reactants and products involved in the reaction, a chemical reaction will be written with stoichiometric coefficients.
In a chemical reaction, a parenthetical note of the compound’s state will be given for each compound i.e. for solid as (s), for liquid as (l) and for gas as (g) and for an aqueous solution in which the compounds are dissolved in water, the symbol (aq) will be used.
A Form of a Chemical Reaction will be Like:
A (aq) + B(g) → C(s) + D(aq)
Here, A and B react together to form the products C and D.
In order to provide an exact chemical equation, the following things must be present:
Every reactants and product must be written using their chemical formulas. For example H₂.
Each element’s number of atoms must be equal on both sides of the equation. In order to balance the number of atoms, their coefficients will be used in front of the chemical formulas. Example: 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO.
Types of Chemical Reactions
Precipitation or Double Replacement Reaction
Precipitation is a reaction that occurs when aqueous solutions of cations which are positively charged ions and anions which are negatively charged ions. A precipitate is the insoluble solid and the remaining liquid is the supernate.
Acid-Base or Neutralization Reaction
A reaction which occurs on mixing an acid and base together is called a neutralization reaction. H+ ions are produced by an acid substance and OH- ions are produced by a base substance.
Salt and water which is an ionic compound will be produced by an acid-base reaction. The reaction between hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide is an example of a typical acid-base reaction.
Following is the equation for the above-mentioned reaction:
HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l)
In the reaction mentioned above, HCl and NaOH are the acid and base substances and the salt is NaCl.
Oxidation-Reduction or Redox Reactions
When the oxidation number of the atoms involved in a reaction is changed, the redox reaction occurs. The process by which an atom’s oxidation number is increased is called the oxidation process. The process by which an atom's oxidation number is decreasing is called a reduction reaction.
A reaction between hydrogen gas and fluorine gas is the example of a redox reaction.
H2 (g) + F2 (g) → 2HF(g)
In the above-mentioned reaction, the hydrogen is oxidized from 0 to +1 oxidation state and so this is the reducing agent. As it is reduced from 0 to -1, fluorine is the oxidizing agent.
Combustion Reaction
A type of redox reaction during which a fuel reacts with an oxidizing agent, resulting in the release of energy as heat is called a combustion reaction. Such reactions where the energy is given off are called exothermic reactions and the reactions which absorb heat are called endothermic reactions.
Following is the example for a combustion reaction of glucose.
C6H12O6 + 6O2 → 6CO2 + 6H2O
Synthesis Reactions
When one or more compounds combine together to form a complex compound, a synthesis reaction is said to occur.
Silver combined with oxygen gas to form silver oxide is an example of a synthesis reaction.
2Ag + O2 → 2AgO
Decomposition Reaction
The opposite of the synthesis reaction is called as the decomposition reaction. In the process of the decomposition reaction, many complex compounds break down into multiple simpler compounds.
The separation of a substance or material into two or more substances or materials that might differ from each other and from the original or unique substance are called as the decomposition reaction.
From our day-to-day life to a chemical lab, the decomposition reaction takes place everywhere. The digestion process is a type of decomposition reaction where the food is broken down in order to form water, carbon dioxide, and heat, so it is an important type of reaction.
The common example of the decomposition reaction is the digestion of food in our bodies. Here the food like proteins, fats, carbohydrates etc will decompose into a number of simpler and smaller units. In order to keep our body working, a further reaction takes place to release a large amount of energy.
The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and hydrogen gas is a typical example of a decomposition reaction.
H₂O₂ → H₂ + O₂
Classification of Decomposition Reaction
Thermal composition reaction or thermolysis is the decomposition by means of heat. Electrolytic decomposition reaction or electrolysis is the decomposition by means of electricity. Photodecomposition reaction or photolysis is the decomposition by means of light.
Decomposition reaction can be classified into three types. They are as follows:
1. Thermal Decomposition Reaction
A chemical reaction where a single substance breaks into two or more simple substances when heated is called a thermal decomposition reaction. Since the heat is required to break the bonds present in the substance, this reaction is usually endothermic.
Calcium Carbonate Decomposition Reaction
Limestone or calcium decomposes into quick lime or calcium oxide and carbon dioxide when heated. The major constituent for cement is quick lime.
Potassium Chlorate Decomposition Reaction
Potassium chlorate decomposes into potassium chloride and oxygen when heated strongly and this reaction is used for oxygen preparation.
In the presence of manganese dioxide, if decomposition is carried out then it will take place at a lower temperature. Manganese dioxide is used as a catalyst in this reaction.
Lead Nitrate Decomposition Reaction
When a little quantity of powdered colourless lead nitrate is taken in a dry test tube and heated over a burner then it can be observed that brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide will evolve out and a yellow residue of lead oxide will be left behind in the tube. When a burning candle is put on the mouth of a test tube, it will catch fire and start to burn again. The oxygen gas is also evolved during this reaction as shown here.
Hydrated Oxalic Acid Decomposition Reaction
The decomposition of hydrated oxalic acid into oxalic acid and water is obtained when heated.
2. Electrolytic Decomposition Reaction:
When an electric current is passed through an aqueous solution of a compound, it may result in an electrolytic decomposition reaction. Electrolysis of water is a good example of an electrolytic decomposition reaction.
Electrolysis of Water: The decomposition of water into oxygen and hydrogen due to the passage of electric current through it is called as the electrolysis of water.
Sodium Chloride Decomposition Reaction
When electricity is passed through molten sodium chloride, it gets decomposed into sodium and chlorine.
3. Photo Decomposition Reaction or Photolysis
Silver Chloride Decomposition Reaction
When a small amount of silver chloride (AgCl) is taken in a watch glass which is kept in sunlight for sometimes, then slowly the crystals acquire a grey color. The decomposition of silver chloride into silver and chlorine is caused by the sunlight as per the analysis.
The same way, silver bromide to gets decomposed.
Hydrogen Peroxide Decomposition Reaction
The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen happens in the presence of light.
Either from light, heat or electricity, most of the decomposition reactions require energy. The breaking of the bonds present in the reacting substance which decomposes to give the product is caused due to the absorption of energy.
Examples of Decomposition Reactions:
When carbonates get heated, it gets decomposed into metal oxides and carbon dioxide.
CaCO₃ (s) → CaO (s) + CO₂ (g)
Na₂CO₃ (s) →Na₂O (s) + CO₂ (g)
Decomposition of oxy acids results in the formation of carbon dioxide and water.
H₂CO₃ → H₂O (l) + CO₂ (g)
Double Decomposition Reaction
A reaction between two compounds in which parts of each compound is interchanged in order to form two new compounds is called a double decomposition reaction. A reaction between two compounds where the positive ion of one compound is exchanged with another compound's positive ion is called a double replacement reaction.
Uses of Decomposition Reaction
For the extraction of metals, the decomposition reactions are used in the following ways:
Using electrolytic decomposition, metals are extracted from their molten salts.
Example: from the naturally occurring ore of zinc, zinc carbonate is first decomposed to give zinc oxide and then reduced to obtain zinc metal.
A decomposition reaction is a type of reaction where bonds are broken and new ones form. decomposition reactions can be classified as either exothermic or endothermic, depending on whether they release or absorb heat during the reaction. decomposition reactions are also classified by the number of steps required. decomposition can be a single-step or multiple-step process, depending on whether it requires one or more than one individual reaction for completion.
Decomposition exothermic | decomposes into two simpler products that have lower energy content in the molecule due to release of heat during this type of decomposition reaction Reaction Example: Sodium metal reacts with water sodium hydroxide solution to release hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide decomposition endothermic | decomposes into two simpler products that have higher energy content in the molecule due to absorption of heat during this type of decomposition reaction Reaction Example: Ammonium nitrate crystals react with water to create aqueous ammonia solution, oxygen gas, and ammonium hydroxide.
Decomposition Single-Step | decomposing a single compound by breaking its bonds through one individual reaction step. This occurs when there is only one chemical equation or net ionic equation for each pure element involved in a phase change.
Importance of Decomposition
Decomposition reactions are used to produce fuels and other chemicals
Decomposition of methane into carbon dioxide and water is used to produce coal gas
Decomposition of ethanol into ethylene glycol and water is used to produce polyester fibers
Decomposition of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide is used in the production of fertilizer
Decompositions of various other organic compounds are used in the production of plastics, drugs, and dyes.
Decomposition is used to break down hazardous waste
Decomposition of organic solvents into water and carbon dioxide is used to clean up spills
Decomposition of toxic metals into non-toxic salts is used in the treatment of wastewater.
Decomposition reactions are used to determine the amount of a product in a sample. decomposition reactions are used to measure carbon dioxide levels produced by different types of respiration.
Decomposition is used to make other chemical compounds decomposition reaction of calcium carbonate (CaCO) with hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Decomposition of food is important in the human digestive system. decomposition of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates into amino acids, fatty acids, and monosaccharides provides the body with the nutrients it needs to function.
Here are Some Tips to Study Decomposition Reaction
Learn the concept- it is important to learn the decomposition reaction concept because decomposition is a common reaction in the body. Which will help you to understand more easily.
Study decomposition reaction mechanism- decomposition reaction mechanism is a good way to learn decomposition reaction. decomposition reactions also have a lot of uses, so the decomposition reaction mechanism will help you to understand decomposition better.
Know the decomposition problems- try to practice decomposition problems because it will also help you to understand decomposition better.
Read articles about decomposing- you can read articles that tell about how decomposition reactions are used in different fields and how they work. It will be the best way to study decomposition reactions.
Study examples of decomposition reactions- it's also important that you should learn some examples of decomposition reactions which you can find online and learn decomposition reactions from them.
Learn about factors affecting decomposition rates- there are different factors that affect decomposition rates such as catalysts, pH level, etc. To learn how these things decompositions rate so you can learn decomposition reactions better.
Avoid cramming- last-minute studying will not help you to understand the decomposition reaction better, in fact, it will make it harder for you to understand decomposition. So try to study the decomposition reaction gradually and that will help you to understand the decomposition reaction better.
Appear for mock tests- appearing for mock tests will help you to understand decomposition reactions better and it will also help you to score well in the decomposition reaction topic.
FAQs on Decomposition Reaction
1. How much time does it take to complete the whole topic to prepare for exams? How can I score well on the decomposition reaction topic?
It completely depends on the person studying, how much effort they put in, and if they are following a proper plan. Generally, 3-4 months is enough time to revise decomposition reactions. You need to practice a lot of problems related to decomposition reactions, read articles and examples about Decomposing reactions, and understand all the factors affecting decomposition rates. These will help you score well in the decomposition reaction topic.
2. What are some good books to study decomposition Reaction?
There is no single book that covers decomposition Reaction topics completely. However, textbooks like chemistry: The Central Science" cover decomposition Reaction topics in detail. You can also refer to books like "Organic Chemistry" and "Principles of General Chemistry" for decomposition Reaction topics.
3. What can I expect from decomposition Reaction topics in the exams?
Generally, decomposition Reaction topics are covered in detail in university subjects like BSc/B.Com/BCA or BBA. You can also expect decomposition Reaction questions to be asked in competitive exams like MBA, banking, etc., but they are not generally covered in depth. So you must have an idea about decomposition reactions, but cannot expect it to be completely asked from decomposition reaction topics.
4. I find decomposition Reaction topics difficult. What should I do?
Decomposition Reaction topics can be difficult, but that doesn't mean you cannot understand them. You need to have a clear concept about the decomposition reaction, read articles and examples about decomposition reactions, practice a lot of problems and appear for mock tests. This will help you to score well in decomposition reactions and understand them better. A decomposition reaction is an important reaction that occurs in the body. It is also used in different fields such as agriculture, biochemistry, etc. The decomposition reaction mechanism will help you to learn the decomposition reaction better. There are different factors that affect decomposition rate such as catalysts etc.
5. How will Decomposition reactions be in the exams?
Decomposition reaction questions can feature in any subject like chemistry, physics, etc., but they are not generally covered in depth. So you must have an idea about decomposition reactions, but cannot expect it to be completely asked from decomposition reaction topics. Generally, decomposition Reaction topics are quite popular and important. So understanding decomposition reactions will help you score well in the decomposition Reaction exam and test. You can also go through our solutions for decomposition Reaction because we keep on updating it from time to time with new examples and problems so that we can provide quality content related to decomposition reactions in one place only.