How do you write the formula for this reaction: Potassium chlorate decomposes to potassium chloride and oxygen gas?

To write the chemical equation for the decomposition of potassium chlorate, you need to identify the reactants and products involved in the reaction.

Identifying the Components

In this reaction:

• Reactant: Potassium chlorate (KClO3)
• Products: Potassium chloride (KCl) and oxygen gas (O2)

Writing the Equation

The balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of potassium chlorate is:

2 KClO3 → 2 KCl + 3 O2

Balancing the Equation

In this equation:

• Two moles of potassium chlorate decompose to produce two moles of potassium chloride and three moles of oxygen gas.

This ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation, which is essential for a balanced chemical reaction.