lämpötilahajoamista

Lämpötilahajoaminen, known in English as thermal decomposition or thermolysis, is a chemical process where a substance breaks down into simpler substances due to an increase in temperature. This breakdown occurs when the thermal energy supplied is sufficient to overcome the chemical bonds holding the substance together.

The specific products of thermal decomposition vary greatly depending on the original substance. For example, heating calcium carbonate (limestone) results in the formation of calcium oxide (lime) and carbon dioxide gas. Similarly, organic materials like wood undergo thermal decomposition when heated in the absence of oxygen, a process known as pyrolysis, yielding charcoal, volatile gases, and tar.

Thermal decomposition is a fundamental process with numerous applications. It is utilized in industrial processes such as the production of cement, the refining of petroleum, and the smelting of ores. In laboratories, it is used to analyze the composition of substances or to synthesize new compounds. Understanding the principles of thermal decomposition is crucial for managing chemical reactions safely and efficiently, especially in high-temperature environments. The rate of decomposition generally increases with temperature, and it can be influenced by factors like pressure and the presence of catalysts.