Question

question 1
the key to recognizing a decomposition reaction is...
○ there only ionic compounds present.
○ there are many reactions in a row.
○ there are multiple reactants and only one product.
○ there are multiple products and only one reactant.

Explanation:

A decomposition reaction is defined as a reaction where a single reactant breaks down into two or more products. Let's analyze each option:

• "there only ionic compounds present" is incorrect because decomposition reactions aren't limited to ionic compounds (e.g., $H_2O_2$ decomposes, and it's a covalent compound).
• "there are many reactions in a row" is incorrect as the number of sequential reactions isn't the defining feature of a decomposition reaction.
• "there are multiple reactants and only one product" describes a synthesis reaction, not decomposition.
• "there are multiple products and only one reactant" matches the definition of a decomposition reaction (one reactant → multiple products).

Answer:

D. there are multiple products and only one reactant.