What describes decomposition?

Study for the Georgia High School Physical Science Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, detailed hints and explanations included. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What describes decomposition?

Explanation:
Decomposition is a chemical reaction where one substance breaks apart into two or more simpler substances. The key idea is that a single compound splits into its components, which is shown by the pattern AB → A + B. This is the opposite of synthesis, where separate elements join to form a compound. A common example is the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide: 2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2, where one substance splits into water and oxygen gas. Phase changes or rearrangements into a different compound aren’t decompositions, so they don’t match this description.

Decomposition is a chemical reaction where one substance breaks apart into two or more simpler substances. The key idea is that a single compound splits into its components, which is shown by the pattern AB → A + B. This is the opposite of synthesis, where separate elements join to form a compound. A common example is the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide: 2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2, where one substance splits into water and oxygen gas. Phase changes or rearrangements into a different compound aren’t decompositions, so they don’t match this description.

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