Question

What is used for the Thermite Reaction?

• A. $\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{Al}$
• B. $\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{C}$
• C. $\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{Fe}$
• D. $\text{CuO} + \text{C}$

Hint:

The thermite reaction is a highly exothermic process used for welding and in incendiary devices. It typically involves a finely powdered metal (usually aluminum) and a metal oxide (commonly iron(III) oxide). The key is that the reducing metal must be more reactive than the metal in the oxide.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Thermite Reaction Overview.
The thermite reaction is a vigorous redox reaction between a metal oxide and a more reactive metal, typically aluminum. The more reactive metal reduces the metal from its oxide, generating substantial heat, suitable for applications like welding.

Step 2: Thermite Reaction Components.
The classic thermite reaction uses iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃) and aluminum powder (Al). Aluminum, being more reactive than iron, reduces iron(III) oxide to molten iron. The balanced chemical equation is:\nFe₂O₃(s) + 2Al(s) → 2Fe(l) + Al₂O₃(s) + Heat

Step 3: Option Evaluation.

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• Option (a): Fe₂O₃ + Al: This represents the standard thermite mixture where aluminum reduces iron(III) oxide.
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• Option (b): Fe₂O₃ + C: This uses carbon as a reducing agent. While possible at high temperatures, this is not the typical "thermite reaction," which uses aluminum.
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• Option (c): Al₂O₃ + Fe: Aluminum oxide is a stable compound, and iron is less reactive than aluminum, so no reaction would occur under typical conditions.
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• Option (d): CuO + C: This is a reduction reaction involving carbon and copper oxide, relevant to metallurgy, but not the specific "thermite reaction" which requires aluminum.
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\n\nStep 4: Conclusion.
The standard thermite reaction uses iron(III) oxide and aluminum as reactants.
\n\n\[ \n\boxed{\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{Al}} \n\]\n\n