Chapter 16, Problem 14STP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The type of reaction of sodium nitride to produce sodium metal and nitrogen gas needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

A single compound splits into two or more new elements in a decomposition reaction. The general illustration of the reaction is as follows:

$\text{AB}\to \text{A+B}$

Answer to Problem 14STP

Reaction of sodium nitride to produce sodium metal and nitrogen gas is a decomposition reaction.

Explanation of Solution

Sodium nitride broken down to produce Na metal and ${\text{N}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)$. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is-

${\text{2Na}}_{\text{3}}\text{N}\to 6{\text{Na+N}}_{\text{2}}\left(\text{g}\right)$

In this reaction a single compound ( ${\text{Na}}_{\text{3}}\text{N}$ ) is break down into its two constituent atoms. Therefore, the reaction is known as decomposition reaction.

Conclusion

Decomposition reaction is reverse of synthesis reaction. Two or more compounds react together to produce a single compound in synthesis reaction.