Question

Explain, giving one simple example for the following chemical change :

Double decomposition

Answer 1

Part 1: Definition of double decomposition reaction-

A double decomposition reaction is a type of decomposition reaction in which two constituent reactants interchange positive and negative ions and form two new compounds.

Part 2: Example of double decomposition reaction-

$\underset{\mathrm{Hydrochloric}\mathrm{acid}}{\mathrm{HCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Sodium}\mathrm{hydroxide}}{\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Sodium}\mathrm{chloride}}{\mathrm{NaCl}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Water}}{{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}$

• Hydrochloric acid and Sodium hydroxide is reacting to form Sodium chloride and water.
• In the above reaction, two constituent reactants are reacting to interchange positive and negative ions and form two new compounds.