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What does CO2 decompose into?
Is the reaction:
CO2 --> C + O2
Or
2CO2 --> 2CO + O2
? Just curious.
I have a test that specifically says that... But it is at 1000ºK, so... theoretically, which one is correct?
I kind of made up those choices, nothing was presented to me besides the actual question (the part I know how to do). I was just unsure of the equation I had to make up. Thank you, even though this question is highly impractical lol
Lol thank you Xeniom. I should have caught that. But sadly... that's how it was written on my test.
I'm starting to not like this test very much... lol
4 Answers
- milton bLv 71 decade agoFavorite Answer
Neither is correct. CO2 does not decompose, it is a decomposition product.
- 1 decade ago
Neither of the reactions happen in normal conditions. While the second reaction might be possible in a very low extent, it doesn't happen in air anytime.
CO2 is an end product, the most stable form in the carbon cycle. All organic matter ultimately decomposes to CO2, and there is no further decomposition. Plants absorb CO2 and create more complex molecules from it, and so reintroduce it to the cycle so it can be decomposed again... to CO2.
---> since you added details: at 1000K (don't write °K, it's wrong, it's just K, it's different than °C) the second reaction can occur, although I would not call it a "decomposition".
Source(s): second year student of chemistry in college - 1 decade ago
Carbon dioxide is a small, stable molecule and is very unlikely to decompose. As it is very stable, if a reaction produces CO2 then this is often a driving force for the reaction to occur.
in reference to the options, I would say that the second equation looks more sensible as producing elemental carbon is highly unlikely.
