What type of reaction is shown below? Check all that apply.
$2 H_2 O_2 \rightarrow 2 H_2 O+O_2$
The given chemical reaction is \(2 H_2 O_2 \rightarrow 2 H_2 O + O_2\). To classify this reaction, we examine its structure and reactants and products. A synthesis reaction involves multiple reactants combining into a single product, whereas a decomposition reaction involves a single reactant breaking down into two or more simpler substances. Finally, a combustion reaction is a high-energy process involving a reaction with oxygen, usually releasing heat and light.
In the equation \(2 H_2 O_2 \rightarrow 2 H_2 O + O_2\), there is one reactant, hydrogen peroxide (\(H_2O_2\)), and two products, water (\(H_2O\)) and oxygen gas (\(O_2\)). Comparing this to our definitions:
Based on the analysis, the reaction \(2 H_2 O_2 \rightarrow 2 H_2 O + O_2\) is classified as a decomposition reaction. The final answer is \(\boxed{\text{decomposition}}\).
Decomposition reactions are essential in many everyday chemical processes. For instance, the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is often used to inflate airbags in vehicles or to produce oxygen gas in laboratory experiments using a catalyst like manganese dioxide. Understanding this type of reaction allows us to safely harness chemical energy for practical applications like emergency safety devices or controlled chemical production.