Thermal decomposition is a chemical process in which a compound breaks down into simpler substances or elements when heated. During this process, heat is applied, causing bonds within the compound to break, leading to the formation of new products. Thermal decomposition is often endothermic, meaning it requires an input of heat to proceed.
A common example of thermal decomposition is the breakdown of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) when heated, which produces calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂):
\[ \text{CaCO}_3 (s) \rightarrow \text{CaO} (s) + \text{CO}_2 (g) \]
Thermal decomposition reactions are important in various fields, including materials science, geology, and industries such as the production of lime from limestone or the manufacture of ceramics. The process can also be applied in various environmental and analytical chemistry contexts.
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