2 H2O → 2 H2 + O2
Double Replacement
b. Single Replacement
c. Decomposition
d. Combustion
e. Synthesis
c. Decomposition
The given chemical equation is:
2 H2O → 2 H2 + O2
Based on the type of reaction, the correct answer is:
c. Decomposition
In a decomposition reaction, a compound is broken down into simpler substances. In the given equation, water (H2O) is decomposing into hydrogen gas (H2) and oxygen gas (O2).
The given chemical equation represents the reaction of 2 water molecules (H2O) decomposing to form 2 molecules of hydrogen gas (H2) and 1 molecule of oxygen gas (O2). To determine the type of reaction, we need to understand the different types of chemical reactions:
a. Double Replacement (also called double displacement) occurs when the cations and anions of two different compounds switch places, creating two new compounds. This reaction does not fit the given equation as there are no two compounds involved in a switch.
b. Single Replacement (also called single displacement) occurs when one element replaces another element in a compound. This reaction does not fit the given equation as there is no single element replacing another element in a compound.
c. Decomposition occurs when a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This reaction fits the given equation, as two water molecules decompose to form hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.
d. Combustion occurs when a substance reacts rapidly with oxygen gas, typically producing heat and light. This reaction does not fit the given equation as there is no substance reacting with oxygen gas.
e. Synthesis (also called combination) occurs when two or more substances combine to form a single compound. This reaction does not fit the given equation as it shows the opposite process of synthesis, which is decomposition.
Therefore, based on the above analysis, the given reaction is an example of c. Decomposition.