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Definition: decomposition from Dictionary of Energy

Chemistry. a process in which one or more substances break down into simpler molecular substances, as from the effects of heat, light, chemical or biological activity, and so on.


decomposition

From The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
Chemical change in which one substance is broken down into two or more simpler substances. In biology, decomposition is the result of the action of decomposer organisms, such as bacteria and fungi. The decomposer organisms obtain food from dead organisms, such as carbon compounds, which are energy-rich. These organisms have an important role in the cycling of carbon compounds as part of the carbon cycle . The respiration of the organisms releases carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere. Other organisms feed on the decomposers and they are part of the decomposer food chain. The decomposition of dead plants and animals allows chemicals to be washed out of the decaying remains into the soil. Many of these are important nutrients that plants can use. In chemistry, there are three main types of decompositions – thermal, electrolytic, and catalysed. Thermal decomposition occurs as a result of heating. For example, copper(II) carbonate decomposes on heating to give copper oxide and carbon…
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Full text Article decomposition

From The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
Chemical change in which one substance is broken down into two or more simpler substances. In biology, decomposition is the result of the action of decomposer organisms, such as bacteria and fungi. The decomposer organisms obtain food from dead organisms, such as carbon compounds, which are…
| 242 words
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Full text Article decomposition

From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary
A fundamental type of chemical change. In simple decomposition, one substance breaks down into two simpler substances, e.g., water yields hydrogen and oxygen. In double decomposition, two compounds break down and recombine to form two different compounds, e.g., 2HCl + CaCO 3 → CaCl 2 + H 2 CO 3 . In…
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1. Introduction 2. Basics of Decomposition Analysis 3. Methodology and Related Issues 4. Application and Related Issues 5. Conclusion Glossary aggregate energy intensity The ratio of total energy use to total output measured at an aggregate level, such as industrywide and economywide. decomposition…
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Full text Article decomposer

From Penguin Dictionary of Biology
Any HETEROTROPH breaking down dead organic matter to simpler organic or inorganic material. In some ECOSYSTEMS the decomposer food chain is energetically more important than the grazing food chain. All release a proportion of their organic carbon intake as CO 2 and the heat release, as evidenced by…
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Full text Article decompose

From The Macquarie Dictionary
| 46 words
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Full text Article decomposition

From The Macquarie Dictionary
| 25 words
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Full text Article decomposition

From Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary
| 54 words
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Full text Article decomposition

From The Penguin Dictionary of Science
| 43 words
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Full text Article decomposer

From The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
| 99 words
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Full text Article decomposer

From The Penguin Dictionary of Science
| 83 words
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