Which of the following thermal decomposition reactions will require the highest temperature?
A Ag2O → 2Ag + ½O2
B H2O2 → H2O + ½O2
D Na2O → 2Na + ½O2
E PbO2 → PbO + ½O2
what is the correct answer to this question?
the correct answer was D
Relative Bond Strength Rank:
Ionic Bond (the strongest)
Covalent Bond
Hydrogen Bond (the weakest)
D Na2O is an ionic compound. It consists of 2Na+ and O2- ions which are held together by ionic bonding. Ionic bonds are very strong - a lot of energy is needed to break them. That’s why ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points.
hey or simply take a look at their electronegativity difference the compound with the highest electronegativity difference will require the highest tempreture to decompose .
Hi, but isn’t Ag2O also an ionic bonded molecule (2 silver cation + oxygen anion)?
You’re right. Then we need to approach it with a reactivity series. Na is the most reactive and it will require the most energy to break its oxide. Hence reaction D would enquire the highest temperature.
Thank you so much 