Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction that occurs when (b) barium carbonate decomposes into barium oxide and carbon dioxide gas when heated

Key Concepts

Decomposition Reactions

Decomposition reactions involve a single compound breaking down into two or more simpler products. In this case, barium carbonate decomposes when heated, which is a common type of reaction where heat provides the energy needed to break chemical bonds.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing chemical equations is essential to ensure that the law of conservation of mass is upheld, meaning the number of atoms for each element must be the same on both sides of the equation. This involves adjusting coefficients in front of compounds to achieve equal numbers of each type of atom.

Products of Decomposition

In the decomposition of barium carbonate, the products are barium oxide and carbon dioxide. Understanding the nature of these products is crucial, as it helps in predicting the behavior of the reaction and the physical states of the substances involved, which are solid for barium oxide and gas for carbon dioxide.