Question

In reaction CFCl3 + UV Light --> CFCl2 + Cl, there is only one reactant (CFCl3) and no collision. So, why did a reaction take place?

Answer 1

Are the reactant molecules the same as the products?

Answer 2

Any ideas, @WordsAndSentences ?

Answer 3

I have no clue.. :/ uhmm

Answer 4

Yess?

Answer 5

Since the compounds on the left of the reaction arrow are not the same as the compounds on the right, the reactants are not the same as the products.

Answer 6

And when the reactants are different from the products, there is a chemical reaction.

Answer 7

This particular reaction is called a decomposition reaction, because one compound broke down into multiple other compounds.

Answer 8

Oh, okay. I think I get it now. Thank you for the help(:

Answer 9

Great, you're welcome! :-) Also, compounds break down when the products are more stable than the reactant.