
Thermal Decomposition
Thermal decomposition is a chemical process where a substance breaks down into simpler substances when heated. For example, when calcium carbonate (found in limestone) is heated, it decomposes into calcium oxide (quicklime) and carbon dioxide gas. This reaction occurs because the heat provides enough energy to overcome the bonds holding the original molecules together. Thermal decomposition is important in various fields, including materials science and chemistry, as it helps in producing new materials and understanding how substances behave under different conditions.