2 H₂O₂ → 2 H₂O + O₂
Explanation:
* Reactants: 2 molecules of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)
* Products: 2 molecules of water (H₂O) and 1 molecule of oxygen gas (O₂)
What happens in the reaction:
Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a reactive compound that readily decomposes into water (H₂O) and oxygen gas (O₂). This decomposition can be accelerated by factors like heat, light, or catalysts.
Key points:
* The equation is now balanced because there are equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation (4 hydrogen, 4 oxygen).
* This is a decomposition reaction because a single reactant breaks down into multiple products.
* This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat.
Let me know if you have any other questions!