5.3 Thermite Reaction

Chemical Concepts Demonstrated: Exothermicity, heat capacity, oxidation/reduction, enthalpy/entropy

Demonstration:

The crucible shown contains:
  • a Thermite mixture (3 parts by weight of Fe2O3 to 1 part powdered Al)
  • the starter (BaO2 and 400-mesh Al)
  • powdered KMnO4
The crucible is placed in a ring stand directly above the sand box.

3-5 drops of glycerin are added to the KMnO4









Observations:

    The reaction occurs, melts the steel wool at the bottom of the crucible, and causes

liquid iron to pour out from the resulting gap.

Explanation (including important chemical equations):

    Fe2O3 + 2 Al -> 2 Fe + Al2O3

    This mechanism has an unfavorable entropy.  A much more favorable enthalpy provokes and carries the reaction.  The resulting heat from the demonstration itself melts the iron product formed.  The total energy released in this experiment is equal to 851.5 kJ.

    The term "Thermite" refers to the mixture of aluminum and ferric oxide used in this experiment.  It is sold commercially and is used for such applications as railroad welding and incendiary bombs.

    Demonstration 5.20d provides an isolated display of this demonstration's glycerin/potassium permanganate initiation step.