How can a compound be decomposed?

A compound can be decomposed by chemical reactions, which involve breaking the chemical bonds that hold the atoms together in the compound. During these reactions, the compound is transformed into simpler substances, which can be elements or other compounds. This process alters the fundamental structure and properties of the original compound.

For example, water (H₂O) can be decomposed into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) gases through electrolysis, which is a chemical process that uses electrical energy to drive the decomposition reaction.

Physical means, such as changing temperature or pressure, typically do not result in the breaking of chemical bonds and therefore do not decompose a compound. Instead, these methods may affect the state of matter (solid, liquid, gas) or physical properties (such as solubility or vapor pressure) but do not change the chemical composition of the substances involved. Thus, the correct approach to decompose a compound is through chemical reactions.