DECOMPOSITION REACTIONS

=What are Decomposition reactions?= The word decomposition means 'to break down'. Some chemicals are not stable and will break down into smaller, different molecules. For example: Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into oxygen gas and water. ===Hydrogen peroxide --> Oxygen + Water=== Hydrogen peroxide needs to be kept in a brown bottle in the fridge, to slow down the decomposition. [image:http://shop.countdown.co.nz/Content/ProductImages/big/9400564012913.jpg/Hansells-Baking-Soda-185g.jpg] Baking soda (sodium hydrogen carbonate) breaks down when heated to form calcium carbonate, water, and carbon dioxide gas. ===Sodium hydrogen carbonate --> calcium carbonate + water + carbon dioxide===