Reaction+Duex-+Decomposition

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 * Decomposition

Decomposition is, basically, the opposite of synthesis. In decomposition, a single complex substance is broken down to form at least two simpler substances. Generically, a decomposition equation looks like this: AB  à A+B

An actual equation could be: Water decomposes to form hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. In order to change this into a formula, you must first know the symbols for each element in the equation Water=H 2 O Hydrogen=H Oxygen=O The fact that the hydrogen and oxygen in the product are gases tells us that the subscript of each element shall be 2. Thus, telling us there are 2 hydrogens and 2 oxygens. Any form of “creates” “makes” “forms”, or in this case “decomposes to…[any of the aforementioned words] ” will indicate an arrow (  à ). So far we know: H 2 O  à H 2 + O 2 HOLD THE PHONE!! Something is just not right about this equation. Ah yes, it is not yet **//balanced.//** In order to balance an equation, there must be the same amount of each element of each side of the equation. On the reactants side there are 2 hydrogens and 1 oxygen (water). However, on the products side there are 2 hydrogens and //two// oxygens. While the hydrogens are balanced, the oxygens are not. So, we must fix this **without changing the subscript numbers**, as that would change the entire equation (nicht gut)! So, we must add **coefficients** to the equation. O2 does not equal O4 In order to make things even, we must multiply the water (H 2 O) by two. This allows the oxygens on each side to be even. However, with just the water on the reactants side multiplied by two, there are now **four** hydrogens on the reactants side, and only 2 on the products side Visually, all those words mean: 2H 2 O  à H 2 + O 2 If you are confused as to how 2H 2 makes 4H—you just have to multiply 2 times 2 to get 4, and there are your 4 hydrogens. Unfortunately, there are 4 hydrogens on one side and 2 on the other. In order to fix this we must turn H 2 into 4 hydrogens. In order to do this, you must multiply the H 2 by two. This causes the equation to look like this: In this equation, there are now 4 hydrogens and 2 oxygens on each side of the equation, and everyone is happy.  J   Click to go Back to Main Page
 * 2H **** 2 **** O **** à **** 2H **** 2 **** + O **** 2 **