Question

When lead nitrate is heated, it breaks down into lead monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen as given below:
\[{\text{2Pb(N}}{{\text{O}}_3}{)_2} \to 2{\text{PbO + 4N}}{{\text{O}}_2} + {{\text{O}}_2}\]
The above reaction is an example of:
A. Combination reaction
B. Decomposition reaction
C. Double decomposition reaction
D. Displacement reaction

Answer 1

Hint: There are four basic types of reactions. Combination reaction, decomposition reaction, double decomposition reaction, displacement reaction. Identify the definitions of these types of reactions, so that they get the answer of the above question.

Complete step by step answer:
Decomposition reaction:
It is a type of decomposition reaction in which a compound splits up or divides into two or more simpler substances called the decomposition reaction. In the above reaction, one compound is divided into three substances. Here the compound is leading nitrate and the substances are lead monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen. Therefore, we can say that lead nitrate is decomposed into lead monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen. Hence it is a decomposition reaction. In this condition, decomposition reaction is done when lead nitrate is heated. The above is a thermal decomposition
Thus the above given reaction is an example of decomposition reaction.
The correct option is ‘B’.

Additional Information:
Generally, there are types of decomposition reaction:
-Thermal decomposition reaction: It is also called thermolysis. It is a type of chemical decomposition reaction in which it is caused by heat.
-Electrolytic decomposition reaction: It is also called electrolysis decomposition. It causes breaking in ions when we pass electricity through the solution.
-Photo decomposition reaction: It is also called photolysis. It is a type of chemical decomposition reaction in which a chemical compound is broken down by photons.

Note: Thermal decomposition can be defined as when a compound is divided into two or more substances if it is heated. As the above example comes under this condition, it is an example of thermal decomposition reaction.