Final answer:
The balanced equation for the decomposition of calcium chlorate into calcium chloride and oxygen gas is Ca(ClO3)2(s) → CaCl2(s) + 3O2(g). This equation demonstrates a decomposition reaction, where calcium chlorate breaks down into two products, with atom counts confirming that the equation is balanced.
Step-by-step explanation:
The balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of solid calcium chlorate (Ca(ClO3)2) into solid calcium chloride (CaCl2) and oxygen gas (O2) is:
Ca(ClO3)2(s) → CaCl2(s) + 3O2(g)
In this reaction, calcium chlorate breaks down to form calcium chloride and oxygen gas, which is a common type of chemical reaction known as decomposition. To ensure the equation is balanced, it is important to have the same number of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. In this case, the original equation provided by the student is already balanced, with one calcium (Ca) atom, two chlorine (Cl) atoms, and six oxygen (O) atoms on both sides of the equation.