Jane made this picture to represent a chemical reaction: Two circles, one white and the other gray are shown on the left. A smal

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Jane made this picture to represent a chemical reaction: Two circles, one white and the other gray are shown on the left. A smal

l portion of the two circles overlap and the label below the circles is XY. An arrow pointing right is shown on the right of the overlapping circles. There are two circles on the right of the arrow, one white and the other gray, and there is a plus sign between them. The white circle is labeled X and the gray circle is labeled Y.
Which of the following statements best explains the type of chemical reaction represented by Jane's picture?

It represents a synthesis reaction because one combined reactant forms multiple products.
It represents a synthesis reaction because the same atoms are present in the reactants and products.
It represents a decomposition reaction because one reactant breaks apart and forms two products.
It represents a decomposition reaction because the total mass of the products is less than the mass of the reactant.

Chemistry

2 answers:

lorasvet [960] · Answer 1 · 2026-03-04T14:37:52+03:00

This is a decomposition reaction because one reactant separates to create two products.

Clarification:

The chemical reaction illustrated by Jane is classified as a decomposition reaction since a single reactant disassociates and yields two distinct products.

In this instance, XY disintegrates into X and Y. This results in a decomposition reaction.

XY → X + Y

Decomposition or cracking refers to the formation of two or more products from a single reactant.
Breaking down a compound into its individual atoms or molecules fits this classification.
The extreme instability of a compound triggers this kind of reaction.
The resulting products are generally stable, or they may further dissociate until stability is achieved.

Please refer to the image included for further clarification:

Learn more:

Thermal decomposition