Thermal Decomposition

Contents

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Thermal Decomposition is a type of chemical reaction in which a large compound is broken down into smaller molecules due to high temperatures.

About Thermal Decomposition

When materials are heated the particles inside vibrate and move more quickly, colliding with one another. For large molecules this can cause them to collide with enough force to break the molecule apart into smaller molecules. This is thermal decomposition.

Thermal Decomposition happens to certain types of compound more than others. At this stage the thermal decompositions you should know have the general equation: Metal Carbonate → Metal Oxide + Carbon Dioxide

Examples

Metal Carbonate → Metal Oxide + Carbon Dioxide

Calcium Carbonate → Calcium Oxide + Carbon Dioxide

Copper Carbonate → Copper Oxide + Carbon Dioxide

Zinc Carbonate → Zinc Oxide + Carbon Dioxide