Reacción de termita

2Al + Fe2O3 → Al2O3 + 2Fe

Descripción general

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.

Participantes

Rol Sustancia Coeficiente Estado
Reactivo Óxido de hierro(III) Fe₂O₃ 1 (s)
Reactivo Aluminio Al 2 (s)
Producto Óxido de aluminio Al₂O₃ 1 (s)
Producto Hierro Fe 2 (l)

Ejemplo cotidiano

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

Importancia industrial

Utilizada en soldadura aluminotérmica de carriles ferroviarios, corte de metales y producción de metales refractarios.

Preguntas frecuentes

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