Question

Thermal decomposition of sodium carbonate will produce
(A) Carbon dioxide
(B) Oxygen
(C) Sodium hydroxide
(D) No other product

Answer 1

Sodium carbonate production from natural sources of solid beds of trona, trona, and sodium carbonate-rich brines, and nahcolite minerals became important much more recently since the discovery of major deposits of these minerals in the U.S. For nations with well-defined, suitable deposits of these minerals the incentives for sodium carbonate production from these sources are substantial: a halving of the capital costs of a similarly sized Solvay plant and much less potential for environmental problems.

Complete step by step solution:
Decomposition reaction: A decomposition reaction can be defined as a chemical reaction in which one reactant breaks down into two or more products.
Thermal decomposition: A thermal decomposition reaction can be defined as a decomposition reaction that is activated by thermal energy. In other words, a thermal decomposition reaction requires energy to be supplied to the reactants in the form of heat. Such reactions are generally endothermic since energy is required to break the chemical bonds and separate the constituent elements.
Thus,
The Thermal decomposition reaction of the element sodium carbonate will produce carbon dioxide (II).

Note:
A decomposition reaction can be both endothermic and exothermic. However, the latter is more common than the former.
And moreover, Decomposition reactions are used in:
Manufacture of cement or calcium oxide.
For metallurgical processes: Extraction of metals from their oxides, chlorides, etc.
The relief from acid indigestion.
Thermite welding.