Final answer:
The chemical decomposition of matter through the action of heat is called decomposition reactions. These reactions involve breaking down compounds into two or more substances by heating. Binary compounds can undergo decomposition reactions into their constituent elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical decomposition of matter through the action of heat is a process called decomposition reactions. In these reactions, one compound breaks down into two or more substances, usually by heating. For example, when mercury (II) oxide is heated, it decomposes into mercury and oxygen gas.
The decomposition reactions generally require an input of energy in the form of heat, light, or electricity. Binary compounds, which are compounds composed of just two elements, can undergo decomposition reactions into their constituent elements.
A compound cannot be separated into its elements by physical means like filtering or distillation. Instead, compounds can only be decomposed into their elements through a chemical process. Many compounds can be decomposed into their elements by heating. For instance, when sugar is heated, it decomposes into carbon and water.