Final answer:
This is a decomposition reaction where potassium chlorate decomposes to form potassium chloride and oxygen gas.
Step-by-step explanation:
Decomposition reactions occur when a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. In this case, the compound potassium chlorate (KClO₃) decomposes to form potassium chloride (KCl) and oxygen gas (O₂).
The balanced equation is: 2KClO₃ → 2KCl + 3O₂.
This is a decomposition reaction because a single compound is being broken down into two simpler substances. It is important to note that the coefficients in a balanced equation represent the ratio of moles, so in this reaction, for every 2 moles of potassium chlorate that decompose, 2 moles of potassium chloride and 3 moles of oxygen gas are formed.