Final answer:
Water is classified as a binary compound, composed of hydrogen and oxygen. It can be decomposed into diatomic hydrogen and oxygen gases via the process of electrolysis. The reaction is represented as 2H₂O(l) → 2H₂(g) + O₂(g).
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the information provided, water would be classified as a binary compound because it is composed of two elements, hydrogen and oxygen, combined in a specific ratio which is molecularly 2:1, respectively. The process known as electrolysis is utilized to decompose water into its constituent elements, hydrogen gas (H₂) and oxygen gas (O₂), which are both diatomic molecules. This is represented by the chemical equation 2H₂O(l) → 2H₂(g) + O₂(g).
In the context of Chemistry in Everyday Life, understanding the composition of water and the process of its decomposition is essential. The reactant compound, in this case, water, undergoes a chemical reaction facilitated by an electric current to yield the diatomic elements.