How can compounds be broken down into their elements?

Answer 1

Compounds are most notably broken down into their component elements by Electrolysis. But some can be broken by heat and catalyst.

More complex compounds can be broken up into simpler compounds for their elements by a decomposition reaction. Example:

NaCl---Na and Cl

salt sodium and chlorine

or

C6H12O6---6H2O 6C

sugar 6 water molecules

and 6 carbon atoms

Answer 2

Compounds can be broken down into their elements through chemical reactions, such as decomposition or electrolysis. These reactions involve breaking the chemical bonds that hold the elements together in the compound, allowing them to separate into their individual elements.