section_path: Reaction types/Four basic types/Decomposition
section_name: Decomposition
paragraph_text: Decomposition
  
  A decomposition reaction is when a more complex substance breaks down into its more simple parts. It is thus the opposite of a synthesis reaction and can be written as AB ⟶ A + B {\displaystyle {\ce {AB->A + B}}}
  
  One example of a decomposition reaction is the electrolysis of water to make oxygen and hydrogen gas: 2 H 2 O ⟶ 2 H 2 + O 2 {\displaystyle {\ce {2H2O->2H2 + O2}}}