Which of the following is a DECOMPOSITION redox reaction?
A$2\mathrm{KClO}_3(s) \xrightarrow{\Delta} 2\mathrm{KCl}(s) + 3\mathrm{O}_2(g)$
B$\mathrm{HCl}(aq) + \mathrm{NaOH}(aq) \rightarrow \mathrm{NaCl}(aq) + \mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}(l)$
C$\mathrm{N}_2(g) + 3\mathrm{H}_2(g) \rightarrow 2\mathrm{NH}_3(g)$
D$\mathrm{AgNO}_3(aq) + \mathrm{NaCl}(aq) \rightarrow \mathrm{AgCl}(s) + \mathrm{NaNO}_3(aq)$
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. $2\mathrm{KClO}_3(s) \xrightarrow{\Delta} 2\mathrm{KCl}(s) + 3\mathrm{O}_2(g)$
1. A DECOMPOSITION redox has the form $C \rightarrow A + B$ with electron transfer.
2. Option A: $2\mathrm{KClO}_3 \rightarrow 2\mathrm{KCl} + 3\mathrm{O}_2$. One reactant, two products. Cl goes $+5 \rightarrow -1$ (reduction); O goes $-2 \rightarrow 0$ (oxidation). ✓ Decomposition redox.
3. Option B is a neutralisation (acid + base $\rightarrow$ salt + water). Acid–base, NOT redox — H stays $+1$, Cl stays $-1$, Na stays $+1$, O stays $-2$.
4. Option C is a COMBINATION redox (synthesis of ammonia), not decomposition.
5. Option D is a double-displacement / precipitation reaction with NO electron transfer.
_Source: NCERT Class 11 Chemistry Part 2, Ch 7, §7.3.1 "Decomposition Reactions", p. 7-8._
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