Question

A solid white substance A is heated strongly. What type of chemical reaction might occur during this process?

a) Combustion
b) Decomposition
c) Synthesis
d) Oxidation

Answer 1

During the process of heating a solid white substance A, a decomposition reaction might occur, resulting in the formation of calcium oxide (CaO).

Step-by-step explanation:

During the process of heating a solid white substance A, the type of chemical reaction that might occur is decomposition. Decomposition reactions involve the breakdown of a compound into its constituent elements or simpler compounds. For example, if substance A is calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), it can decompose into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas when heated:

CaCO₃(s) → CaO(s) + CO₂(g)

The product formed during this decomposition reaction is calcium oxide (CaO).

This reaction is classified as a decomposition reaction because a single compound, substance A, is breaking down into simpler components. The reason behind this classification is the breakdown of substance A into calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.