Question

What are the ten examples of electrolytic decomposition reaction?

Answer 1

Electrolytic Decomposition:

• Electrolytic decomposition is the term used to describe the breakdown of any molecule when electricity is used.
• There are some substances that separate at greater temperatures; in these cases, utilizing electricity to separate the molecules is simple.

Examples of Electrolytic Decomposition:

• Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide - The product formed by the decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$ is Water $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$ and Oxygen $\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$.

$\underset{\mathrm{Hydrogen}\mathrm{Peroxide}}{\underbrace{2{\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}}\to \underset{\mathrm{Water}}{\underbrace{2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{\underbrace{{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}}$

• Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate - Calcium carbonate $\left({\mathrm{CaCO}}_3\right)$ decomposes into calcium oxide $\left(\mathrm{CaO}\right)$ and carbon dioxide $\left({\mathrm{CO}}_2\right)$ on Electrolytic Decomposition.

$\underset{\mathrm{Calcium}\mathrm{Carbonate}}{\underbrace{{\mathrm{CaCO}}_3}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Calcium}\mathrm{Oxide}}{\underbrace{\mathrm{CaO}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}}+\underset{\mathrm{Carbon}\mathrm{Dioxide}}{\underbrace{{\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}}$

• Decomposition of Hydrated Oxalic Acid - Oxalic Acid ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_4$ decomposes into carbon dioxide $\left({\mathrm{CO}}_2\right)$ and formic acid ${\mathrm{CH}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_2$ and this formic acid might decompose into Carbon monoxide $\left(\mathrm{CO}\right)$ and water $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$.
• Decomposition of Ferric Hydroxide - Ferric Hydroxide $\left(\mathrm{Fe}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_3\right)$ decomposes into Ferric Oxide $\left({\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\right)$ and Water $\left({\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\right)$.

$\underset{\mathrm{Ferric}\mathrm{Hydroxide}}{\underbrace{\mathrm{Fe}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}}\to \underset{\mathrm{Ferric}\mathrm{Oxide}}{\underbrace{{\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)}}+\underset{\mathrm{Water}}{\underbrace{{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}$

• Decomposition of Silver Chloride - It decomposes into Silver $\left(\mathrm{Ag}\right)$ and halogen gas i.e. Chlorine $\left({\mathrm{Cl}}_2\right)$.
• Decomposition of Potassium Chlorate - Potassium chlorate $\left({\mathrm{KClO}}_3\right)$ decomposes to form potassium chloride $\left(\mathrm{KCl}\right)$ and oxygen $\left({\mathrm{O}}_2\right)$.
• Electrolysis of water - Following reaction takes place,

$\underset{\mathrm{Water}}{\underbrace{2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}}\to \underset{\mathrm{Hydrogen}}{\underbrace{2{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{\underbrace{{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}}$

• The digestion of food in our body
• Breakdown of water
• Breakdown of Hydrogen Peroxide.