Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite)

2Al + Fe₂O₃ → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe

Aperçu

The thermite reaction involves aluminum reducing iron(III) oxide to produce aluminum oxide and molten iron. This spectacularly exothermic reaction generates temperatures exceeding 2500 C, hot enough to melt iron. Once ignited (requires about 1500 C), it cannot be extinguished with water.

Participants

Rôle	Substance	Coefficient	État
Réactif	Iron(III) Oxide Fe₂O₃	1	(s)
Réactif	Aluminum Al	2	(s)
Produit	Aluminum Oxide Al₂O₃	1	(s)
Produit	Iron Fe	2	(l)

Exemple du quotidien

The thermite reaction is used for emergency railroad track welding in the field, fusing rail ends with molten iron produced on-site.

Importance industrielle

Used in railroad track welding (thermite welding), metal cutting and demolition, incendiary devices, and the production of certain metals from their oxides.

Propriétés

Type: Single Replacement
Réversible: Non
Énergie: Exothermique
ΔH: -851,5 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

Chlorine Displacing Iodine from Potassium Iodide Magnesium Reacting with Steam Lithium Reacting with Water Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid Aluminum Reducing Chromium Oxide (Aluminothermic) Iron Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid Iron Displacing Copper from Copper Sulfate Zinc Displacing Copper from Copper Sulfate Magnesium Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid Fluorine Displacing Chlorine from Sodium Chloride

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite)?

The balanced equation is: 2Al + Fe₂O₃ → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe.

What type of reaction is Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite)?

Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite) is a single replacement reaction.

Is Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite) exothermic or endothermic?

Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -851.5 kJ/mol.