Thermite Reaction

2Al + Fe2O3 → Al2O3 + 2Fe

Übersicht

Aluminum reduces iron(III) oxide in this extremely exothermic redox reaction, reaching temperatures above 2500 C. Aluminum is oxidized from Al⁰ to Al³⁺ (losing 3 electrons) while iron is reduced from Fe³⁺ to Fe⁰. Once ignited, the reaction is self-sustaining and produces molten iron.

Teilnehmer

Rolle Substanz Koeffizient Zustand
Reaktant Iron(III) Oxide Fe₂O₃ 1 (s)
Reaktant Aluminum Al 2 (s)
Produkt Aluminum Oxide Al₂O₃ 1 (s)
Produkt Iron Fe 2 (l)

Alltägliches Beispiel

Railroad workers use thermite welding to join rail sections in the field, pouring molten iron into a mold around the rail joint.

Industrielle Bedeutung

Thermite welding is used for railroad track repair, pipeline welding, and metal cutting. The reaction's extreme temperature makes it useful for specialty metallurgical applications.

Eigenschaften

Typ
Redox
Reversibel
Nein
Energie
Exotherm
ΔH
-851,5 kJ/mol

Verwandte Reaktionen

Iron(II) to Iron(III) Oxidation by Oxygen Bleaching with Sodium Hypochlorite Copper Reduction of Silver Ion Aqua Regia Dissolving Gold Cerium(IV) Reduction by Iron(II) Chlorine Oxidation of Bromide Copper Oxidation by Nitric Acid Hypochlorite Oxidation of Hydrogen Peroxide Hydrogen Peroxide as Oxidizing Agent (Acidic) Displacement of Hydrogen from Acid by Magnesium

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Thermite Reaction?
The balanced equation is: 2Al + Fe₂O₃ → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe.
What type of reaction is Thermite Reaction?
Thermite Reaction is a redox reaction.
Is Thermite Reaction exothermic or endothermic?
Thermite Reaction is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -851.5 kJ/mol.