Question

describing types of chemical reactions
identify the reaction type shown and describe the clues
that were used to identify it.
nh₄no₃ → n₂o + 2h₂o

Explanation:

1. Reaction Type Identification: The given reaction is \( \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3

ightarrow \text{N}_2\text{O} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \). A decomposition reaction is defined as a reaction where a single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances (elements or compounds). In this case, ammonium nitrate (\( \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3 \)) is a single reactant that breaks down into dinitrogen oxide (\( \text{N}_2\text{O} \)) and water (\( \text{H}_2\text{O} \)).

1. Clues for Identification: The key clue is the structure of the chemical equation: there is one reactant (\( \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3 \)) and multiple products (\( \text{N}_2\text{O} \) and \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \)). This matches the pattern of a decomposition reaction, where a single compound decomposes into simpler products.

Answer:

The reaction type is decomposition reaction. The clue is that one reactant (\( \text{NH}_4\text{NO}_3 \)) breaks down into two products (\( \text{N}_2\text{O} \) and \( 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \)), which fits the definition of a decomposition reaction (a single compound forming simpler substances).