Question

The mixture involved in the extraction of iron by thermite reaction is:

• A. a mixture of $\text{Mg}$ and ${\text{BaO}}_2$.
• B. a mixture of ${\text{Fe}}_2{\text{O}}_3$ and aluminium powder.
• C. a mixture of ${\text{Al}}_2{\text{O}}_3$ and iron.
• D. a mixture of $\text{Al}$ and ${\text{MnO}}_2$.

Answer 1

The correct option is B a mixture of ${\text{Fe}}_2{\text{O}}_3$ and aluminium powder.

The thermite reaction is highly exothermic. The amount of heat evolved is so large that the metals are produced in the molten state. This molten state can be filled into the cracks. The reaction involved in this process is:

${\text{Fe}}_2{\text{O}}_3\text{(s)}+2\text{Al (s)}\to 2\text{Fe (l)}+{\text{Al}}_2{\text{O}}_3\text{(s)}+\text{Heat}$