EVERYDAY SCIENCE

SCIENCE

CHEMISTRY

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
Classify the following as a physical change or a chemical change:decomposing mercury(II) oxide
A
physical change
B
chemical change
C
neither
D
None of the above
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -It is a chemical decomposition reaction as the mercurric oxide is broken down in to mercury and oxygen.

Detailed explanation-2: -As such, the process of obtaining mercury from heating mercury (II) oxide is a chemical reaction.

Detailed explanation-3: -Mercury(II) oxide, a red solid, decomposes when heated to produce mercury and oxygen gas. Mercury(II) oxide is a red solid. When it is heated, it decomposes into mercury metal and oxygen gas. A reaction is also considered to be a decomposition reaction even when one or more of the products are still compounds.

Detailed explanation-4: -Decomposition is a chemical change because a more complex chemical compound is broken down into simpler compounds or even chemical elements.

Detailed explanation-5: -Mercuric oxide (HgO) decomposes on heating to give mercury (Hg) and oxygen (O2). It is a thermal decomposition reaction and the balanced equation can be written as: 2HgO(s)→heat2Hg(l)+O2(g)

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