Question

In certain fireworks, potassium nitrate breaks down into potassium oxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. This is an example of a _____ reaction. The opposite process is a _____ reaction.

options for both of the blanks are
A) combustion
B) decomposition
C) replacement
or D) synthesis

Answer 1

Answer : The correct option for 1st blank is Decomposition and for 2nd blank is Synthesis.

Explanation :

• Decomposition reaction : This reaction occurs when one bigger molecule decomposes into two or more smaller molecules.

• Synthesis reaction : This reaction occurs when two or more smaller reactants combine to form a single large product.

• Combustion reaction : This reaction occurs when a hydrocarbon molecule react with the oxygen molecule to produce carbon dioxide and water.

• Replacement reaction : This reaction occurs when the more reactive element replaces the less reactive element in a compound.

When potassium nitrate breaks down into potassium oxide, nitrogen, and oxygen that means one bigger molecule decomposes into two or more smaller molecules. So, this an example of a decomposition reaction.

And in the opposite process that means potassium oxide, nitrogen, and oxygen are combined to form potassium nitrate means two or more small reactant combine to form a single large product. So, this an example of synthesis reaction.

Answer 2

In certain fireworks, potassium nitrate breaks down into potassium oxide, nitrogen, and oxygen. This is an example of a "Decomposition reaction". The opposite process is a "Synthesis" reaction.

In short, fill your blanks as:
1st blank → Option B
2nd blank → Option D

Hope this helps!