What is a Decomposition Reaction?
A decomposition reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which a substance degrades into two or more basic components. It is a process in direct contrast to that of chemical synthesis, which involves molecular bonding so that two or more components may join to form a single chemical compound. The decomposition reaction often requires exposure to a catalyst, such as a heat source or solvent. A simple example of such a reaction is the conversion of water to hydrogen and oxygen gas when heated to a temperature of 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius), which is the boiling point of water. Decomposition chemical reactions are generally classified into three main types, which are catalytic, electrolytic, or thermal. In catalytic reactions, an agent is introduced to cause a chemical reaction. For example, hydrogen peroxide readily degrades into water and oxygen in the presence of manganese dioxide. An electrolytic decomposition reaction is achieved by exposing an aqueous solution or
