Questions: Solid calcium oxide and carbon dioxide gas are formed by the decomposition of solid calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction.

Solid calcium oxide and carbon dioxide gas are formed by the decomposition of solid calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction.

Transcript text: Solid calcium oxide and carbon dioxide gas are formed by the decomposition of solid calcium carbonate $\left(\mathrm{CaCO}_{3}\right)$. Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction. $\square$

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Identify the Reactants and Products

The decomposition reaction involves solid calcium carbonate ($\mathrm{CaCO}_3$) breaking down into solid calcium oxide ($\mathrm{CaO}$) and carbon dioxide gas ($\mathrm{CO}_2$).

Step 2: Write the Unbalanced Chemical Equation

The unbalanced chemical equation for the decomposition reaction is: \[ \mathrm{CaCO}_3 \rightarrow \mathrm{CaO} + \mathrm{CO}_2 \]

Step 3: Balance the Chemical Equation

To balance the chemical equation, ensure that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. In this case, the equation is already balanced as written: \[ \mathrm{CaCO}_3 \rightarrow \mathrm{CaO} + \mathrm{CO}_2 \]