What is the name of the reaction for CuCO3 -> CuO + CO2?

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Study for the IGCSE Edexcel Chemistry Test. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

What is the name of the reaction for CuCO3 -> CuO + CO2?

Explanation:
When you heat a carbonate like copper carbonate, it breaks down into a metal oxide and carbon dioxide. This is a thermal decomposition reaction: one compound (CuCO3) is split into two simpler products (CuO and CO2) due to heat. The gas you see is CO2 escaping, while the solid left is copper oxide. It isn’t combustion, which needs oxygen and usually makes more CO2 and water from a fuel; it isn’t neutralization, which is an acid–base reaction; and it isn’t oxidation, since the copper’s oxidation state remains the same overall. So the name of this reaction is thermal decomposition.

When you heat a carbonate like copper carbonate, it breaks down into a metal oxide and carbon dioxide. This is a thermal decomposition reaction: one compound (CuCO3) is split into two simpler products (CuO and CO2) due to heat. The gas you see is CO2 escaping, while the solid left is copper oxide. It isn’t combustion, which needs oxygen and usually makes more CO2 and water from a fuel; it isn’t neutralization, which is an acid–base reaction; and it isn’t oxidation, since the copper’s oxidation state remains the same overall. So the name of this reaction is thermal decomposition.

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