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Ch.3 - Chemical Reactions and Reaction Stoichiometry
Chapter 3, Problem 20b

Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurs when (b) silver(I) oxide decomposes into silver metal and oxygen gas when heated

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Decomposition Reactions

Decomposition reactions involve a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler products. In this case, silver(I) oxide (Ag2O) decomposes when heated, resulting in the formation of silver metal (Ag) and oxygen gas (O2). Understanding this type of reaction is crucial for writing balanced chemical equations.
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Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is the process of ensuring that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation. This is based on the law of conservation of mass, which states that matter cannot be created or destroyed in a chemical reaction. Proper balancing is essential for accurately representing the reaction.
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Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry is the study of the quantitative relationships between the reactants and products in a chemical reaction. It allows chemists to predict the amounts of substances consumed and produced. In the context of the decomposition of silver(I) oxide, stoichiometry helps determine the correct coefficients needed to balance the equation.
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