KClO3 → KCl + O2
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The chemical equation KClO3→KCl+O2KClO_3 \rightarrow KCl + O_2KClO3→KCl+O2 is an example of a decomposition reaction. In a decomposition reaction, a single reactant breaks down into two or more products. In this case, potassium chlorate (KClO3KClO_3KClO3) decomposes to form potassium chloride (KClKClKCl) and oxygen gas (O2O_2O2).
This specific decomposition is usually facilitated by heat, which is why it’s often called a thermal decomposition reaction. When potassium chlorate is heated, it breaks down into potassium chloride and oxygen gas. The reaction is endothermic, meaning that it requires energy (in the form of heat) to proceed. The oxygen gas produced in this reaction can be used in various industrial applications, such as in the production of oxygen for medical or industrial use.
The balanced version of this reaction is:2KClO3→2KCl+3O22KClO_3 \rightarrow 2KCl + 3O_22KClO3→2KCl+3O2
Explanation:
- The potassium chlorate (KClO3KClO_3KClO3) molecule consists of potassium (K), chlorine (Cl), and three oxygen (O) atoms.
- When this molecule breaks down, it forms potassium chloride (KClKClKCl), which is a solid ionic compound consisting of potassium and chlorine, and oxygen gas (O2O_2O2), which is released as a gas.
- To balance the equation, we need to ensure the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. On the left side, there are two potassium atoms, two chlorine atoms, and six oxygen atoms (from 2KClO32KClO_32KClO3). On the right side, there are two potassium atoms, two chlorine atoms, and six oxygen atoms (from 3O23O_23O2).
This reaction is important in producing oxygen, and it also demonstrates how the elements in a compound can rearrange during a chemical reaction.
