Which type of reaction is shown here: 2H2O2 -› 2H2O + O2? a) Decomposition b) Synthesis c) Single displacement d) Combustion
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The reaction shown is:
[ 2H_2O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O + O_2 ]
This is a decomposition reaction. The correct answer is:
a) Decomposition
Explanation:
A decomposition reaction occurs when a single reactant breaks down into two or more simpler products. In this case, hydrogen peroxide ((H_2O_2)) decomposes into water ((H_2O)) and oxygen gas ((O_2)).
Let’s break down the reaction:
- Reactant: Hydrogen peroxide ((H_2O_2)) is the only reactant here.
- Products: The reaction produces two products: water ((H_2O)) and oxygen gas ((O_2)).
In a decomposition reaction, one substance breaks down into two or more simpler substances. This is exactly what happens in the given reaction, where a single reactant (hydrogen peroxide) breaks down into two products (water and oxygen).
Other Reaction Types:
- Synthesis (option b): A synthesis reaction involves two or more simple substances combining to form a more complex product. This is the opposite of decomposition.
- Single displacement (option c): A single displacement reaction occurs when one element replaces another element in a compound, like (A + BC \rightarrow AC + B). This does not describe the given reaction.
- Combustion (option d): Combustion reactions typically involve a substance reacting with oxygen to release energy, often producing carbon dioxide and water. This is not the case here, as no combustion process is happening in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
Therefore, based on the nature of the reaction (where one compound breaks down into simpler substances), this is a decomposition reaction.