Decomposition Reactions
The result of a combination reaction can be reversed; in other words, a compound
can be decomposed into the components from which it was formed. This type of
reaction is called a decomposition reaction. Many decomposition reactions occur
via oxidation-reduction as illustrated below.
Note: Chlorine is reduced, while oxygen is oxidized.
But many other decomposition reactions do not involve a corresponding oxidation
and reduction of the substances as shown below.
Note, that in this example of chemical decomposition, the oxidation states of the elements involved remain constant.
