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What type of reaction takes place when a single reactant breaks down into simpler products?
Decomposition
Double displacement
Displacement
Combination
Decomposition
A decomposition reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which a single complex reactant breaks down into two or more simpler products under appropriate conditions such as heat, light, or electricity.
A decomposition reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which a single complex reactant breaks down into two or more simpler products under appropriate conditions such as heat, light, or electricity.
Just like a Lego castle breaking down into individual colourful blocks when dropped, a complex chemical compound breaks down into simpler units during a decomposition reaction.
DECOMP = DE-compose means to DE-stroy or break down into COM-ponents.
ABтЖТA+B тАФ General representation of a decomposition reaction
CaCO3тАЛ(s)╬ФтАЛCaO(s)+CO2тАЛ(g) тАФ Thermal decomposition of limestone
In a decomposition reaction, energy (in the form of heat, light, or electrical current) is supplied to overcome the chemical bonds holding the atoms together in a compound, causing it to split into simpler substances. For example, thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate yields calcium oxide and carbon dioxide: CaCO3тАЛ(s)╬ФтАЛCaO(s)+CO2тАЛ(g).
A single reactant breaks down to form two or more simpler products.
Decomposition reactions are generally endothermic as they require energy input.
Energy can be supplied in the form of heat, light, or electricity.
They are the exact opposite of combination reactions.
Used in metallurgy to extract metals from their ores.
Important for producing simple gases like hydrogen and oxygen via electrolysis.
Requires external energy source (heating, electricity, etc.) to proceed.
Digestion of food in the human body (complex carbohydrates breaking down into glucose).
Manufacturing of quicklime (CaO) from limestone (CaCO3тАЛ).
Option A (Decomposition) correctly matches the definition where a single reactant yields multiple products.
Option B (Double displacement) involves exchange of ions between two compounds.
Option C (Displacement) involves a more reactive element displacing a less reactive element.
Option D (Combination) involves two or more reactants combining to form a single product.
A is correct тАФ A decomposition reaction takes place when a single reactant breaks down into simpler products.
Always remember: Combination reactions combine reactants (A+BтЖТC), whereas decomposition reactions split reactants (CтЖТA+B). They are reverse processes of each other.