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How do synthesis and decomposition reactions differ?

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Dec 8, 2016

See the explanation.

Explanation:

Synthesis reactions occur when two or more simpler substances (atoms, ions, molecules) react to produce a single product.

Hydrogen peroxide is synthesized by the reaction between water and oxygen.

${2H}_{2} O + O_{2}$ $"2H"_2"O" + "O"_2"$ $\to$ $rarr$ ${2H}_{2} O_{2}$ $"2H"_2"O"_2"$

Decomposition reactions occur when a single compound is broken down into simpler products.

Potassium chlorate decomposes to produce potassium chloride and oxygen.

${KClO}_{3}$ $"KClO"_3"$ $\to$ $rarr$ ${KCl + O}_{2}$ $"KCl + O"_2"$

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