Thermite+Reaction

Thermite is a pyrotechnic composition of a metal powder and a metal oxide that produces an exothermic oxidation-reduction reaction known as a thermite reaction. Most varieties are not explosive, but can create bursts of extremely high temperatures focused on a very small area for a short period of time. The thermite is simply a mixture of metal, often called the 'fuel' and an oxidizer. Its form of action is very similar to other fuel-oxidizer mixtures like black powder. Some 'fuels' that can be used include aluminum, magnesium, calcium, titanium, zinc, boron, and others. The oxidizers can be boron(III) oxide, silicon(IV) oxide, chromium(III) oxide, manganese (IV) oxide, iron (III) oxide, copper (II) oxide, and lead (II, III, IV) oxide and others. The thermite (//thermit//) reaction was discovered in 1893 and patented in 1895 by German chemist Dr. Hans Goldschmidt. Dr. Goldschmidt was originally interested in producing very pure metals by avoiding the use of carbon in smelting, but he soon discovered the value of thermite in welding. Thermite is often used to weld or cut through metal. This technique is most often used on railroad and tram tracks, because the welding or cutting can be completed without the need to remove the tracks or use heavy machinery. Thermite hand grenades and charges are used by the military to destroy the supplies and equipment of the enemy. Since World War II thermite grenades have also used for incapacitating artillery. They are commonly used for this purpose because they are silent and do not require explosive charges. Thermite reactions produce mass amounts of energy.

An example of a thermite reaction: (from class lecture) Fe 3+ + Al ---> Fe + Al 3+ Fe experiences reduction and Al experiences oxidation. The result are huge energy reactions.

__Thermite Reaction__ A thermite reaction is when a metal powder is added with a metal oxide (oxidizing agent). When the two react together, it produces short bursts of extremely high temperatures with a very specific focal point, and only for a short period of time. -Some metals oxidize very easily (ie: (Al) aluminum- Aluminothermic reaction) Fe 2 O 3 +2 Al--> 2Fe + Al 2 O 3

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