decompositionn

Decomposition

A decomposition reaction is when a complex compound is broken down into simpler compounds or elements. It is basically the opposite of a synthesis reaction.

Generic form: **AB--->A+B**

An example sentence would be calcium chloride decompose to form calcium and chlorine. To put this into an equation, we find calcuim is Ca and Chlorine is Cl. Next, we add their charges. Ca is 2 and Cl is -1. You have to do the ol' switcheroo which makes Ca 2 over 1 which becomes 1. Clorine becomes 2. Next, you put calcium and chlorine in the equation after the arrow. Now to balance the equation, you just have to put a 2 before the Ca on both sides of the equation.
 * CaCl**
 * Ca2Cl-1**
 * Ca1Cl2**
 * Ca1Cl2--->CaCl**
 * 2Ca1Cl2--->2CaCl**

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