Decomposition Reactions The Evil Twin to Synthesis

Definition Decomposition is a reaction in which one reactant yields two or more products One (complex) reactant breaks down into two or more (simpler) products

Decomposition may also be known as… Electrolysis

Generic Word Equation Reactant yields Product + Product

Algebraic Equation AB  A + B

Examples with elements as products… Sodium Chloride (s)  Sodium (s) + Chlorine (g)

Electrolysis of … Water (l)  Hydrogen (g) + Oxygen (g)

Again because it was so cool the first time… Sodium Chloride (s)  Sodium (s) + Chlorine (g)

Carbon Dioxide (g) + Water (l) Carbonic Acid (aq)  Carbon Dioxide (g) + Water (l)

Iron (III) oxide (s)  Iron (s) + Oxygen (g)

Why does the Iron (III) Oxide have a roman numeral?

Pictures courtesy of: http://www.kaneva.com/mykaneva/PictureDetail.aspx?assetId=1342661 http://sitemaker.umich.edu/section4group1/hydrogen_power http://periodicfun.wikispaces.com/Oxygen+-+p.5 http://www.american.com/archive/2008/february-02-08/take-it-with-a-grain-of-salt http://the330.com/on-screen/jolie-as-spy-peppers-action-filled-salt/ http://salt.movie-trailer.com/ http://www.webelements.com/sodium http://www.amazingrust.com/experiments/how_to/Cl2.html http://economy.kansascity.com/?q=node/5154 http://www.layoutsparks.com/1/83639/bubbles-water-transparent-design.html http://www.healthylivestyle.com/water-the-miracle-molecule/ http://archive.dailypicture.net/east_texas_rust__photos_of_old_rusty_stuff.htm http://www.izarigas.com/seamless-steel-cylinders.html http://www.actionjunkie.net/?tag=iron-man