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Thermal Decomposition
Many compounds will break down in the presence of sufficient heat. This is not the same as combustion, in which oxygen binds to a reactant. Rather, when enough heat is introduced the bonds between the elements are destroyed. One example of this is the heating of limestone to produce calcium oxide and carbon dioxide.
Electrolysis
Many compounds can be broken up by running an electric current through them. Some of the elements in the compound will be attracted to the cathode while others are attracted to the anode. For this to occur the ions in the compound must be free to move between the electrodes. This means that the compound must either be liquid, be dissolved in a liquid or molten down to a liquid state when the current is run through it. Water can be broken down in this way to form hydrogen and oxygen.
Catalytic Decomposition
Certain compounds decompose spontaneously but do so very slowly. To increase the rate at which the decomposition occurs it is necessary to change the conditions in which the compound is stored. One example of this is hydrogen peroxide. This will naturally break down into oxygen and water. But with the addition of manganese dioxide or catalase enzymes from potatoes the reaction occurs much more quickly.
Radiation
Compounds can also be broken down by exposure to radiation, particularly shorter wavelength, high-energy waves. Ultraviolet radiation is damaging to life, because it can cause the breakdown of DNA molecules. This also means that it can be used as an effective sanitizing technique. Exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation high in the atmosphere causes CFC's to break down and become damaging to the ozone layer.