Thermit process is a metallurgical reaction where a mixture of aluminum powder and a metal oxide, typically iron oxide, undergoes an exothermic reaction, producing molten metal and heat.
The Thermit process is used for repairing cracks in railway tracks on site. (a) Write the equation for the reaction taking place in the process, mentioning the physical states of the reactants and products. (b) What information in the chemical equation indicates that the reaction is exothermic?
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(a) The Thermit process involves a thermite reaction, typically between iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) and aluminium (Al). The reaction is as follows:
Fe2O3 (s) + 2Al (s) → 2Fe (l) + Al2O3 (s)
Explanation, In this equation, we get that:
Iron(III) oxide (Fe2O3) is a solid.
Aluminium (Al) is a solid.
Iron (Fe) is in its liquid state.
Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) is a solid.
The reaction produces molten iron and aluminium oxide as products.
(b) The information in the chemical equation that indicates the reaction is exothermic is the presence of the symbol “l” (liquid) next to the product “Fe” (iron). The formation of molten iron indicates that heat is released during the reaction, and the reaction is exothermic. The heat generated is often sufficient to cause the molten iron to be in a liquid state. In Additionally, the release of heat is evident in the overall exothermic nature of the Thermit process, which is commonly used for tasks like welding or repairing cracks in railway tracks on site.