JAMB - Chemistry (2006 - No. 2)

On heating, which of the following compounds will decompose to the free metal, nitrogen (IV) oxide and oxygen?
Ca(NO3)2
Cu(NO3)2
AgNO3
NaNO3

Explanation

When calcium nitrate (Ca(NO\(_3\))\(_2\)) decomposes on heating, it produces calcium oxide (CaO), nitrogen dioxide (NO\(_2\)) gas, and oxygen gas (O2). 

Chemical equation: 2Ca(NO\(_3\))\(_2\) → 2CaO + 4NO\(_2\). + O\(_2\).. 

When copper nitrate (Cu(NO\(_3\))\(_2\)) decomposes on heating, the products formed are copper oxide (CuO), nitrogen dioxide (NO\(_2\)), and oxygen gas (O2). This is a thermal decomposition reaction where the copper nitrate breaks down into these components when heated. 

Chemical equation: 2Cu(NO\(_3\).)\(_2\)) → 2CuO + 4NO\(_2\). + O\(_2\). 

When silver nitrate (AgNO\(_3\)) decomposes on heating, the products formed are silver metal (Ag), nitrogen dioxide (NO\(_2\)), and oxygen (O\(_2\)). 

Chemical equation: 2AgNO\(_3\) (s) → 2Ag (s) + 2NO\(_2\) (g) + O\(_2\).(g). 

When sodium nitrate (NaNO\(_3\)) decomposes on heating, it produces sodium nitrite (NaNO\(_2\)) and oxygen gas (O2) as the primary products; essentially breaking down into these two simpler substances. 

Chemical reaction: 2NaNO\(_3\) → 2NaNO\(_2\) + O\(_2\). 

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