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Why do metal nitrates decompose on heating and produces metal oxide, nitrogen dioxide and oxygen?

Answer 1

Because God wanted it that way....

We are aware that carbonates typically break down to produce carbon dioxide and metal oxides.

#MCO_3(s)stackrel(Delta)rarrMO(s) + CO_2(g)uarr#

Nitrates can react in a similar way, but three products are commonly seen: "metal oxide," "nitrogen(IV) oxide," and "dioxygen."

#M(NO_3)_2(s)stackrel(Delta)rarrMO(s) + 2NO_2(g)uarr+1/2O_2(g)uarr#

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Answer 2

Natalie Anton

Thermal decomposition causes metal nitrates to break down when heated. The energy released by the heat breaks the bonds within the nitrate ion ((NO_3^-)), forming metal oxide, nitrogen dioxide ((NO_2)), and oxygen ((O_2)).

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.