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The reaction in which a single compound splits into two or more simpler substances under suitable conditions is called decomposition reaction.
The combination reaction is the exact opposite of this reaction. The following is a general representation of a decomposition reaction:
 
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Decomposition reaction
  
Breaking bonds is the most important phenomenon in a decomposition reaction; hence, it requires energy to break the bonds.

Depending on the energy source employed in the decomposition reaction, it is classified into three main classes:

(i). Thermal decomposition reactions
(ii). Electrolytic decomposition reactions
(iii). Photo decomposition reactions
 
Thermal decomposition reactions:
 
Thermal decomposition reaction is caused by applying heat.
 
Example: \(1\)
 
On heating mercury (II) oxide, it is decomposed into mercury metal and oxygen gas as shown below:
 
2HgOsHeat2Hgl+O2g
 
As the molecule is dissociated by absorbing heat, it is also called thermolysis. Such reactions, in which heat is absorbed, are called ‘endothermic reactions’. It is a type of compound to element/element decomposition. i.e. a compound (\(HgO\)) is decomposed into two elements (\(Hg\) and \(O\)).
 
Example: \(2\)
 
On heating calcium carbonate, it decomposes into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide. It is a type of compound to compound/compound decomposition.
 
CaCO3sHeatCaOs+CO2g
 
In a thermal decomposition reaction, heat is supplied to break the bonds. Such reactions in which heat is absorbed are called endothermic reactions.
 
Electrolytic decomposition reactions:
 
Electrical energy is used in some decomposition reactions to bring the reaction. For example, when an electric current is passed through an aqueous sodium chloride solution, it decomposes into metallic sodium and chlorine gas. This process is called electrolysis.
 
2NaClaqElectricity2Nas+Cl2g
 
This is a compound to element/element decomposition as the compound \(NaCl\) is converted into elements \(Na\) and \(Cl\).
 
Photo decomposition reactions:
 
Light is another form of energy that helps in decomposition reactions.
 
Example:

When silver bromide is exposed to light, it decomposes into silver metal and bromine gas.
 
2AgBrsLight2Ags+Br2g
 
Since the decomposition is caused by light, this reaction is also called photolysis.
 
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Photodecomposition of silver bromide
  
It is also a compound toelement/element decomposition.
 
Differences between combination and decomposition reaction:
 
Combination reaction
Decomposition reaction
One or more reactants reacts to
form a single product.
 
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A single reactant is decomposed to give one or more products.
 
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Energy is evolved.Energy is absorbed.
Reactants may elements or
compounds.
The reactant is a single compound.