Here's what happens:
* Potassium chlorate (KClO3) is a white crystalline solid.
* When heated, it decomposes into potassium chloride (KCl), which is also a white solid, and oxygen gas (O2).
The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
2 KClO3 → 2 KCl + 3 O2
This reaction is used in various applications, including:
* Production of oxygen: Potassium chlorate is a common source of oxygen for laboratory experiments and some industrial processes.
* Fireworks and explosives: The decomposition of potassium chlorate releases a large amount of oxygen, contributing to the rapid combustion in fireworks and some types of explosives.
It's important to note that potassium chlorate is a powerful oxidizer and should be handled with caution.