How do I balance this equation? ?KNO3 → ?K2O + ?N2(g)+ ?O2(g) and what type of reaction is it?

4KNO3 ==> 2K2O + 2N2 + 5O2

Explanation:

It's a decomposition, but not a simple one.

KNO3 ==> K2O + N2 + O2   I don't usually do this, but I think the easiest way to proceed is to  balancing the K and N together. That will require a 2 in front of KNO3

4KNO3 ==> 2K2O + 2N2 + 5O2

Now you have (3*4) = 12 oxygens. Two are on the K2O. So the other 10 must be on the O2

That should do it.

explanation: it gains negative electrons, therefore becoming negatively charged. as charge cannot be created, nor destroyed, only transferred, this leaves the wool positive. now that they have opposite charges, the two items attract.