Chapter 11, Problem 44A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The distinguishing feature of every decomposition reaction needs to be explained.

Concept introduction: Decomposition reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which a reactant breaks down into two or more products. An example of decomposition reaction is:

  $2\text{HgO(}s\text{) }\to \text{2Hg(}l{\text{) + O}}_2(g)$

Answer to Problem 44A

The distinguishing feature of every decomposition reaction is that there is only one reactant species.

Explanation of Solution

In chemical reactions, chemical species reacts with each other to give product/s. Decomposition reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which a reactant decomposes to form two or more products. Thus, in every decomposition reaction, there is only single species present in the left side of the reaction arrow which decomposes to give two or more products.

Therefore, the distinguishing features of every decomposition reaction is that it has only one reactant.

Conclusion

There is only one reactant in all decomposition reactions which can decompose into two or more products.