ICSE Class 10 Answered
Double decomposition: A type of chemical change in which two compounds in a solution react to form two new compounds by the mutual exchange of radicals. Usually, a solid is formed as a result of the reaction.
These reactions are of two types:
Precipitation reactions and Neutralisation reactions.
Precipitation reactions
The insoluble solid formed during the double displacement reactions is called a precipitate. Reactions in which a precipitate is formed as one of the products are also called precipitation reactions.
Sodium sulphate reacts with barium chloride to form barium sulphate and sodium chloride solution.
Na2SO4 (aq) + BaCl2 → BaSO4(s) + 2NaCl(aq)
Sodium Barium Barium Sodium
Neutralisation reactions
The reaction between an acid and a base to form a salt and water is called as neutralisation reaction.
NaOH(aq) + HCl(aq) → NaCl(aq) + H2O(l)
Sodium Hydrochloric Sodium Water
hydroxide acid chloride
Decomposition reaction
A chemical reaction in which a single compound splits into two or more simple substances is called a decomposition reaction.
When the mercuric oxide is heated in a crucible, the orange-red powder begins to darken and a silver mirror begins to deposit on the cooler parts of the crucible. This is mercury. If we hold a glowing splint near the crucible, it can relight. This shows that the gas evolved during the reaction is oxygen.
2HgO(s) → 2Hg(s) + O2 ↑
Mercuric oxide Mercury Oxygen
The difference between decomposition and double decomposition reaction is in decomposition reaction there is only one reactant and in double decomposition reaction, there are two reactants.