Question

The electrolysis of water has the equation 2H2O (l) → 2H2 (g) + O2 (g). What type of reaction is this?

Answer 1

Answer: The correct option is C) decomposition

Explanation:

Single displacement reaction is defined as the reaction where a more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its salt solution.

$AX+B\rightarrow BX+A$

Element B is more reactive than element A

Double displacement reaction is defined as the reaction where an exchange of ions takes place in a solution

$AX+BY\rightarrow AY+BX$

Decomposition reaction is defined as the reaction where a single large chemical species breaks down into two or more smaller chemical species.

$AB\rightarrow A+B$

Synthesis reaction is defined as the reaction where two or more smaller chemical species combine together in their elemental state to form a single large chemical species.

$A+B\rightarrow AB$

For the given chemical reaction:

$2H_2O(l)\rightarrow 2H_2(g)+O_2(g)$

Here, water is breaking down into two smaller species of oxygen and hydrogen gas. Thus, it is a decomposition reaction.

Hence, the correct option is C) decomposition