2 HgO → 2 Hg + O₂
Here's what the equation shows:
* 2 HgO: This represents two molecules of mercury(II) oxide (HgO).
* 2 Hg: This represents two atoms of mercury (Hg).
* O₂: This represents one molecule of oxygen gas (O₂).
Explanation:
When mercury(II) oxide is heated, it decomposes into its constituent elements, mercury and oxygen. The balanced equation ensures that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation, reflecting the law of conservation of mass.
