Differentiate between combination and decomposition reaction.

Open in App

Solution

Combination reaction
Decomposition reaction
1.Definition: Reaction in which two or more reactants combine to form a single product. 1.Definition: Reaction in which reactant is broken down into two or more products in the presence of heat, light or electricity.
2. General representation: A + B → C 2. General representation: A → B + C
3. Example: Reaction of magnesium with air
$2 Mg (s) + O_{2} (g) \to 2 MgO (s)$
(Magnesium) (Oxygen) (Magnesium oxide)
Here magnesium is combining with oxygen to form magnesium oxide.
3. Example: Decomposition of potassium nitrate.
$2 {KNO}_{3} (s) \to 2 {KNO}_{2} (s) + O_{2} (g)$
(Potassium nitrate) (Potassium nitrite) (Oxygen)
Here potassium nitrate breaks down into potassium nitrite and oxygen in presence of heat.
So it is a decomposition reaction.

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

Differentiate between Combination reaction and decomposition reaction.

What is the difference between combination reaction and decomposition reaction? Explain with suitable examples.

how are combination and decomposition reaction related?

Join BYJU'S Learning Program

Combination reaction	Decomposition reaction
1.Definition: Reaction in which two or more reactants combine to form a single product.	1.Definition: Reaction in which reactant is broken down into two or more products in the presence of heat, light or electricity.
2. General representation: A + B → C	2. General representation: A → B + C
3. Example: Reaction of magnesium with air $2 Mg (s) + O_{2} (g) \to 2 MgO (s)$ (Magnesium) (Oxygen) (Magnesium oxide) Here magnesium is combining with oxygen to form magnesium oxide.	3. Example: Decomposition of potassium nitrate. $2 {KNO}_{3} (s) \to 2 {KNO}_{2} (s) + O_{2} (g)$ (Potassium nitrate) (Potassium nitrite) (Oxygen) Here potassium nitrate breaks down into potassium nitrite and oxygen in presence of heat. So it is a decomposition reaction.