The correct equation to justify thermite reaction is:a)Fe2O3 + 2Al → ...
A thermite reaction is basically iron oxide (rust) reacting with aluminum to produce molten iron. The products are aluminium oxide, elemental iron, and a large amount of heat. The reactants are commonly or thermite mixture is aluminum powder and iron oxide (rust) powder. When the mixture is heated, it starts reacting as the aluminum is more reactive than the iron and aluminium forms stronger and stable bonds with oxygen than iron.
The correct equation to justify thermite reaction is:a)Fe2O3 + 2Al → ...
Thermite Reaction: Fe2O3 + 2Al → 2Fe + Al2O3 + Heat
Explanation:
The thermite reaction is a highly exothermic reaction in which a metal oxide reacts with a reducing agent, typically a metal, to produce molten metal and a metal oxide. Here, the correct equation to justify the thermite reaction is option B: Fe2O3 + 2Al → 2Fe + Al2O3 + Heat.
1. Reaction Components:
- Fe2O3 represents iron(III) oxide, also known as ferric oxide or rust.
- 2Al represents two moles of aluminum, which acts as the reducing agent.
2. Reaction Products:
- 2Fe represents two moles of iron, which is the product of the reduction of iron(III) oxide.
- Al2O3 represents aluminum oxide, which is the product of the oxidation of aluminum.
- Heat is released during the exothermic reaction.
3. Balanced Equation:
The equation is balanced to ensure that the number of atoms on both sides of the reaction is equal.
- On the left side: 2 iron atoms, 6 oxygen atoms, and 4 aluminum atoms.
- On the right side: 2 iron atoms, 6 oxygen atoms, and 4 aluminum atoms.
4. Explanation of the Reaction:
The thermite reaction is a redox reaction in which aluminum acts as the reducing agent. Aluminum is a strong reducing agent and has a higher affinity for oxygen than iron. When aluminum reacts with iron(III) oxide, it displaces iron from its oxide and forms aluminum oxide.
The reaction can be understood in two steps:
- Reduction: Aluminum reduces iron(III) oxide by donating electrons. The aluminum atoms lose electrons and are oxidized, while the iron(III) ions gain electrons and are reduced to iron atoms.
2Al → 2Al3+ + 6e- (oxidation)
Fe3+ + 3e- → Fe (reduction)
- Oxidation: The reduced iron atoms combine with oxygen from aluminum oxide to form iron(III) oxide.
3Fe + 3O2 → Fe2O3
The overall reaction is the sum of these steps:
Fe2O3 + 2Al → 2Fe + Al2O3
5. Energy Release:
The thermite reaction is highly exothermic, meaning it releases a large amount of heat energy. This is due to the large negative enthalpy change associated with the formation of more stable products. The heat released can be used for welding, incendiary devices, or other applications that require intense heat.