Clyde Wiggins, age 15, of Johnson City, Tenn. for his question:

JUST WHAT IS DECOMPOSITON?

Decomposition in chemistry is the breaking down of a substance or compound through a chemical reaction into its simpler components. Such  reduction may yield either elements or compounds as products.

A common agent of decomposition in chemistry is heat, which can reduce both inorganic and organic compounds to their constituent parts. Water, for example, decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen when exposed to an electric current.

In addition, chemical action, by the use of acids or alkalies and accelerated by catalysis, is used in laboratories to reduce compounds.

Decomposition is also caused by bacteria, enzymes in and light. Fermentation, for example, comes about through the action of enzymes.

The term "decomposition" is also applied to the phenomenon of biological decay, or putrefaction, caused by microorganisms. Natural decomposition can also, however, yield useful products, such as petroleum.