Question

which of the following is the correct word equation for the reaction described below? mercury(ii) oxide breaks down when it is heated to form oxygen gas and liquid mercury. oxygen gas + mercury → mercury(ii) oxide mercury(ii) oxide + oxygen → mercury mercury → mercury(ii) oxide + oxygen mercury(ii) oxide → oxygen + mercury

Explanation:

The reaction is a decomposition reaction where Mercury(II) oxide (the reactant) breaks down upon heating to form oxygen gas and liquid mercury (the products). So the word equation should have Mercury(II) oxide on the left (reactant side) and oxygen + mercury on the right (product side), separated by a reaction arrow.

Answer:

D. mercury(II) oxide → oxygen + mercury (assuming the last option is labeled D; if the options are labeled differently, adjust the label but the equation is mercury(II) oxide → oxygen + mercury)