What is the Difference Between Combination and Decomposition Reaction?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between combination and decomposition reactions lies in the number of reactants and products involved in each type of reaction.
In a combination reaction:
- Two or more compounds combine to form one compound.
- The general representation is A + B → AB.
- An example is the reaction between ferrous chloride and chlorine to form ferric chloride.
In a decomposition reaction:
- One reactant breaks down into two or more products.
- The general representation is A → B + C.
- An example is the decomposition of silver chloride into silver and chlorine gas upon exposure to sunlight.
In summary, a combination reaction involves multiple reactants combining to form a single product, while a decomposition reaction involves a single reactant breaking down into multiple products.
Comparative Table: Combination vs Decomposition Reaction
Here is a table comparing combination and decomposition reactions:
| Feature | Combination Reaction | Decomposition Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A reaction in which two or more substances combine to form a single product. | A reaction in which a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. |
| Reactants | Multiple reactants. | Single reactant. |
| Products | Single product. | Multiple products. |
| Chemical Bonds | Formation of new bonds between the atoms or molecules of the reactants. | Breaking of existing bonds within the compound to produce simpler substances. |
| Examples | - Water: $$H2 + O2 → H_2O$$ | - Sodium hydrogen carbonate: $$\ce{2NaHCO3(s) → Na2CO3(s) + CO2(g) + H_2O(ℓ)}$$ |
In a combination reaction, two or more substances react to form a single product, while in a decomposition reaction, a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. Combination reactions involve the formation of new bonds between the atoms or molecules of the reactants, and decomposition reactions involve the breaking of existing bonds within the compound to produce simpler substances.
- Double Displacement vs Double Decomposition Reaction
- Decomposition vs Combustion
- Synthesis vs Decomposition
- Composition vs Reaction Stoichiometry
- Addition vs Substitution Reaction
- Synthesis Reaction vs Substitution Reaction
- Elementary vs Complex Reaction
- Synthesis Reaction vs Dissociation Reaction
- Single Displacement vs Double Displacement Reaction
- Compound vs Mixture
- Homogeneous vs Heterogeneous Reactions
- Elimination vs Substitution Reaction
- Oxidation Reaction vs Reduction Reaction
- Chemical vs Physical Reaction
- Nuclear Reaction vs Chemical Reaction
- Oxidation vs Combustion
- Reactants vs Products
- Combustion vs Explosion
- Heat of Solution vs Heat of Reaction