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A decomposition reaction is one where a compound is broken down into simpler chemicals (which may be its elements)

An example where this is not the case is the decomposition of Carbonic acid, which in water slowly breaks down into water and carbon dioxide (this is what is used in fizzy drinks)

H2CO3 → H2O + CO2

In decomposition, a molecule may break down into smaller molecules, but the molecules are still not elements. Some molecules will decompose to elements, but it is actually more common for them to just break down into smaller molecules.

For example:

Water can decompose (via electrolysis) by the reaction

2H2O(l) → 2H2 + O2

in this case, both of the products are elements.

On the other hand, hydrogen peroxide spontaneously decomposes via the reaction

2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2

in this case, the products include an element and a molecule composed of more than one element

When heated, calcium carbonate decomposes via the reaction:

CaCO3 → CaO + CO2

obviously in this case neither product is an element

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Could a compound have the same properties as its component elements?

Yes, a compound can have different properties than its component elements because the arrangement of atoms in a compound leads to new chemical properties that are not necessarily present in the individual elements. For example, sodium (a highly reactive metal) and chlorine (a toxic gas) combine to form sodium chloride (table salt), which has unique properties compared to its component elements.


Can compounds be broken down into their component elements?

Yes, compounds can be broken down into their component elements through various chemical reactions. This process involves breaking the bonds holding the atoms together in the compound, leading to the formation of the individual elements that make up the compound.


Can element of compound can be seprated?

Yes, elements in a compound can be separated through chemical reactions such as electrolysis or decomposition. These reactions break the bonds between the elements, allowing them to be isolated in their pure form.


In which reaction do elements or compounds come together to for new compounds Decomposition or Combination?

Elements or compounds come together to form new compounds in a combination reaction. This involves the union of two or more substances to create a single compound. Decomposition reactions entail the breakdown of a single compound into multiple products.


Can compounds be broken into its component elements?

Yes, compounds can be broken down into their component elements through chemical reactions. This process usually involves breaking the bonds between the atoms in the compound, releasing the individual elements.

Related Questions

A given compound can be decomposed into two substances What are these substances?

The two substances are the products of the decomposition reaction. They are formed by breaking the bonds within the compound to create new compounds or elements. The specific substances produced depend on the chemical properties of the original compound.


What it is the Decomposition caused by electricity?

Decomposition caused by electricity is a process where an electric current breaks down a compound into its component elements. This can involve electrolysis, where the compound is split into ions, or electroplating, where metal ions are deposited onto a surface. Overall, electrical decomposition can be used in various industrial processes and chemical reactions.


Does a compound have the properties of all the elements that make it up?

No, it is incorrect


What are the products of a binary compound when they decompose?

The products of a binary compound during decomposition are usually the elements that formed the compound initially. For example, if a binary compound AB decomposes, it can form elements A and B.


Heating a chemical compound produces elements?

Heating a chemical compound can cause it to undergo decomposition, leading to the release of elements present in the compound. This process is known as thermal decomposition and is often used to extract elements from compounds in laboratory and industrial settings.


Is decomposition a type of reaction?

Yes, decomposition is a type of chemical reaction. This chemical reaction breaks down a compound into its individual elements.


Is it a chemical change when a compound splits into its original elements?

Yes, that would be a decomposition reaction.


How do you break compounds into elements?

Compounds can be broken into elements through chemical reactions such as decomposition or electrolysis. Decomposition reactions involve heating a compound to break it down into its constituent elements. Electrolysis uses an electric current to drive a chemical reaction that separates the elements in a compound.


Is NOBr decomposition exothermic or endothermic?

The decomposition of NOBr is endothermic, meaning it requires an input of energy to break down the compound into its constituent elements (NO and Br₂).


Is the product of a decomposition reaction a compound or element?

The product of a decomposition reaction can be either a compound or an element. It depends on the specific reactants involved in the reaction. If a compound breaks down into simpler compounds or elements, the product will be a compound or element.


How can a decomposition reaction help you determine whether a pure substance is an element or a compound?

A decomposition reaction breaks down a compound into its elemental constituents. By analyzing the products of the reaction, you can determine if the original substance was a compound (multiple elements present) or an element (only one type of element present).


What does a formula tell you?

Chemical formulas are used to represent chemical compounds. It shows the component elements of the compound. Also it shows the ratios of the component elements.