Question

Explain a decomposition reaction with an example. Can an element undergo a decompostion reaction? Why or why not?

Answer 1

Decomposition reaction is a reaction in which a compound breaks into two or more simpler atoms (or group of atoms). For example, calcium carbonate on heating decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.

CaCO₃ (s) $\stackrel{\mathrm{Heat}}{\to }$ CaO (s) + CO₂ (g)
Calcium carbonate Calcium oxide Carbon dioxide

An element cannot undergo a decomposition reaction because an element exists in its simplest form and thus cannot be further split up chemically.