them and initiating decomposition. When heated, carbonates will decompose. A notable exception is carbonic acid, (H2CO3). Commonly seen as the "fizz" in carbonated beverages, carbonic acid will spontaneously decompose over time into carbon dioxide and water. The reaction is written as: H2CO3 → H2O + CO2 Other carbonates will decompose when heated to produce their corresponding metal oxide and carbon dioxide. The following equation is an example, where M represents the given metal: MCO3 → MO + CO2 A specific example is that involving calcium carbonate: CaCO3 → CaO + CO2 Metal chlorates also decompose when heated. In this type of decomposition reaction, a metal chloride and oxygen gas are the products. Here, again, M represents the metal: 2 MClO3 → 2 MCl+ 3 O2 A common decomposition of a chlorate is in the reaction of potassium chlorate where oxygen is the product. This can be written as: 2 KClO3 → 2 KCl + 3 O2 See also Analytical chemistry Thermal decomposition References External links https://quizlet.com/42968634/types-of-decomposition-reactions-flash-cards/ PDF Biodegradation database Inorganic chemistry Organic chemistry Chemical reactions