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What type of reaction is the following chemical reaction: O3 -> O + O2?

A) Combustion
B) Decomposition
C) Synthesis
D) Oxidation

User Bjnortier
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The reaction O3 -> O + O2 is a decomposition reaction, as it involves a single compound breaking down into two simpler substances, diatomic oxygen and a single oxygen atom.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chemical reaction O3 -> O + O2 is an example of a decomposition reaction. In this reaction, ozone (O3) breaks down into diatomic oxygen (O2) and a single oxygen atom (O). Decomposition reactions involve a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler substances. In this case, ozone is decomposing into oxygen gas and an oxygen atom, but it does not involve the combination with oxygen to produce oxides, as would be the case in a combustion reaction.

Combustion reactions require the presence of elemental oxygen (O2) as a reactant and normally produce heat and light. Since this reaction does not meet these criteria, it cannot be classified as a combustion reaction. Also, it is not an anabolic or biosynthetic reaction since those terms relate to the formation of complex molecules from simpler ones in biological systems, which is not the case here. It is not a redox reaction as there is no transfer of electrons between different species.

User Wingfire
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