Chapter U4.73, Problem 1E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The relation between the combination reactions and decomposition reactions needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Combination reactions are those in which two or more than two reactants yields one product.

Decomposition reactions are those in which one substance is broken down to produce more than one new substances.

Answer to Problem 1E

Combination reactions are reverse of decomposition reactions.

Explanation of Solution

Formation of ammonia and decomposition of ammonia is shown below.

  $\begin{array}{l}{N}_2\left(g\right)+3H_2\left(g\right)\to 2N{H}_3\left(g\right)\hfill \\ 2N{H}_3\left(g\right)\to N_2\left(g\right)+3H_2\left(g\right)\hfill \end{array}$

In the first equation, two different gases are combined to produce ammonia gas whereas in the second equation ammonia gas is decomposed to generate two new gases hydrogen and oxygen.

Conclusion

Thus, combination reactions and decompositions are reverse of each other.