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Glite Dictionary
chemical decomposition reaction

chemical decomposition reaction

4.3
A chemical reaction where one compound breaks into two or more different substances
  • noun
  • /ˈkɛmɪkəl ˌdiːkɒmpəˈzɪʃən rɪˈækʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : reacción de descomposición química
  • A chemical decomposition reaction occurs when hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen.

Examples

  • A classic example of a chemical decomposition reaction is the electrolysis of water.

  • Heat can often trigger a chemical decomposition reaction in certain compounds.

  • A chemical decomposition reaction occurs when water is split into hydrogen and oxygen.

  • Many chemical decomposition reactions happen naturally in the environment.

  • A chemical decomposition reaction occurs when hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen.

  • A classic example of a chemical decomposition reaction is the electrolysis of water.

  • Heat can often trigger a chemical decomposition reaction in certain compounds.

Synonyms

decomposition
vschemical decomposition reaction
  • Specialized
2 5.7

Breaking a substance into simpler parts

is about a single change event rather than a general ongoing process
decomposition reaction
vschemical decomposition reaction
  • Specialized
6.3

A reaction where one compound breaks into two or more simpler substances

is about producing different substances not necessarily simpler ones
elimination reaction
vschemical decomposition reaction
  • Specialized
6.9

A chemical reaction in which one molecule breaks into two smaller molecules by losing atoms or small groups

is more general and does not require removal of atoms or groups

Surface Forms

chemical decomposition reaction singular
chemical decomposition reactions plural

Morphology

chemical + decomposition + reaction

The phrase is fully compositional: 'chemical' (relating to chemistry) + 'decomposition' (breaking down into simpler parts) + 'reaction' (a chemical process) directly yield the meaning of a reaction in which a compound breaks down into other substances. This transparent composition follows standard scientific naming patterns and would be understandable to a learner who already knows the constituent words.

Etymology

Chemical decomposition reaction gives a simple picture: a single chemical goes through decomposition during a reaction, like a toy falling into pieces. So it means one compound 'breaks down' into 'two or more substances'.