Decompostion


 * __Decomposition__**

Is when a single compound undergoes a reaction that produces two or more simpler substances. AX à A+X

A common compound that can break down into simpler substances is: Mercuric oxide is produces when mercury and oxygen are heated.

(We must change the modern names of the chemicals into their appropriate chemical symbols.)

This is simple, look at the periodic table and match the names to their corresponding symbols. HgO à Hg(l)+O2(g)

But wait we are not finished just yet: We need to balance this equation. To do so we must correct the amounts of each element on either side of the equation, so that they are the same amount. We can do this by creating a chart: __1__ Hg __1__ __1__ O __2__

So balance out the chemical we must even out the elements: 2HgO(s) à 2Hg(l)+O2(g) __2__ Hg __2__ __2__ O __2__ Now it is balanced

Yippee!!



by amanda and jess