Question

Name one compound that decomposes on heating.

Answer 1

Decomposition reaction

• In a decomposition reaction, a complex compound is broken down into two or more simpler compounds.
• A source of energy, such as heat, light, or electricity, is required for most of the decomposition reactions.
• Based on the source of energy, decomposition reactions are divided into 3 types-

1. Electric decomposition / Electrolysis - Decomposition by electricity.
2. Photo decomposition - Decomposition by Light.
3. Thermal decomposition - Decomposition by heat.

Thermal decomposition

• When decomposition reactions take place in presence of heat, it is called thermal decomposition reaction.
• For example, $2\underset{\mathrm{Ferrous}\mathrm{Sulphate}}{{\mathrm{FeSO}}_4\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}\stackrel{\mathrm{Heat}}{\to }\underset{\mathrm{Ferric}\mathrm{oxide}}{{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Sulphur}\mathrm{dioxide}}{{\mathrm{SO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Sulphur}\mathrm{trioxide}}{{\mathrm{SO}}_3\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}$