Formation of Strontium Oxide

2Sr + O2 → 2SrO

Overview

Strontium metal burns in oxygen with a characteristic crimson-red flame to produce strontium oxide. This is a vigorous reaction due to strontium's high reactivity as an alkaline earth metal. The red color is exploited in pyrotechnics.

Participants

Role Substance Coefficient State
Reactant Oxygen O 1 (g)
Reactant Strontium Sr 2 (s)
Product Strontium Oxide SrO 2 (s)

Everyday Example

Red fireworks and signal flares often contain strontium compounds that produce their intense red color from strontium emission spectra.

Industrial Importance

Strontium oxide is used in the production of strontium ferrite magnets, in cathode ray tubes, and in specialty glass for television screens.

Properties

Type
Synthesis
Reversible
No
Energy
Exothermic
ΔH
-1184.0 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (General) Formation of Aluminum Oxide Formation of Ammonia (Haber Process) Formation of Barium Oxide Formation of Barium Sulfate Formation of Beryllium Oxide Formation of Cadmium Oxide Formation of Calcium Carbonate from Oxides Formation of Calcium Hydroxide Formation of Calcium Oxide (Quicklime)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Formation of Strontium Oxide?
The balanced equation is: 2Sr + O₂ → 2SrO.
What type of reaction is Formation of Strontium Oxide?
Formation of Strontium Oxide is a synthesis reaction.
Is Formation of Strontium Oxide exothermic or endothermic?
Formation of Strontium Oxide is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -1184.0 kJ/mol.