Thermal Decomposition

• Thermal decomposition is a common reaction of metal carbonates - the process of breaking down a compound to simpler compounds or elements using heat.
• Thermal decomposition = how much heat the carbonate can stand before it falls apart.
• • As calcium carbonate is heated, it glows brightly and decomposes to form calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
  • CaCO3 -> CaO + CO2
• Can prove gas produced is carbon dioxide by bubbling it through limewater - if it’s carbon dioxide is present, limewater will turn milky.