Question

12
what are the products of this reaction? * (0.5 points)
cao ->
ca₂ + o
ca + o₂
ca₂ + o₂
ca + o

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the reaction type

The given reaction is the decomposition of calcium oxide (\(CaO\)). Decomposition reactions break down a compound into its elements (or simpler compounds). Calcium (\(Ca\)) is a metal that exists as individual atoms in elemental form, and oxygen (\(O\)) exists as diatomic molecules (\(O_2\)) in elemental form.

Step2: Check the chemical formulas of products

• For the first option (\(Ca_2 + O\)): Calcium does not form \(Ca_2\) (calcium is monatomic in elemental state), and oxygen is not \(O\) (it's \(O_2\) for elemental oxygen), so this is incorrect.
• For the second option (\(Ca + O_2\)): Calcium oxide decomposes into elemental calcium (\(Ca\)) and elemental oxygen (\(O_2\)). The decomposition reaction of \(CaO\) (assuming a decomposition reaction, though typically \(CaO\) is stable and doesn't decompose easily under normal conditions, but for the sake of the question) would produce \(Ca\) and \(O_2\) when considering elemental forms.
• For the third option (\(Ca_2 + O_2\)): Calcium is not \(Ca_2\), so this is incorrect.
• For the fourth option (\(Ca + O\)): Oxygen is not \(O\) in elemental form (it's \(O_2\)), so this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. \(Ca + O_2\)