Question

Write an equation for the action of heat on aluminium hydroxide.

Answer 1

Heat is used to decompose any compound. The aluminium hydroxide decomposes into its components by heating. The heat gives the energy required to break the bonds of aluminium hydroxide.

Complete step by step answer:
The compound aluminium hydroxide is made up of aluminium atoms, oxygen atoms and hydrogen atoms. The formula of aluminium hydroxide is ${\text{Al}}{\left( {{\text{OH}}} \right)_3}$.
Generally when a compound forms energy releases due to the stable bonds. So, these stable bonds require energy to break down. The heat is the mode of energy transfer. When heat is supplied to any compound means we are giving the energy to the compound. This energy will be utilized in the breaking of bonds of the compound.
When heat is supplied to any compound and the compound breaks into simpler substances, the reaction is known as a decomposition reaction.
The decomposition reaction of aluminium hydroxide on heating or the action of heat on aluminium hydroxide is as follows:
${\text{2}}\,{\text{Al}}{\left( {{\text{OH}}} \right)_3}\mathop \to \limits^\Delta \,{\text{A}}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{3}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{O}}$
The heat is represented by the $\Delta$ sign. It can also be represented by writing ‘heat’ on the arrow in the equation. When heat is supplied to the aluminium hydroxide, it decomposes into aluminium hydroxide and water.
Therefore, the equation for the action of heat on aluminium hydroxide is ${\text{2}}\,{\text{Al}}{\left( {{\text{OH}}} \right)_3}\mathop \to \limits^\Delta \,{\text{A}}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}\,{\text{ + }}\,{\text{3}}{{\text{H}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{O}}$

Note:
The decomposition reaction is also known as the thermal decomposition reaction. In a decomposition reaction, a single substance is decomposed into two or more simple substances. The decomposition reaction is endothermic as we are giving the heat for the reaction. Generally, the decomposition reaction takes place at high temperatures.