Question

Which of the following metal is reacted with iron oxide in thermite process?

• A. $\text{Cu}$
• B. $\text{Co}$
• C. $\text{Al}$
• D. $\text{Na}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $\text{Al}$

The reaction of iron(III) oxide (${\text{Fe}}_2{\text{O}}_3$) with aluminium is used to join railway tracks or cracked machine parts. This reaction is known as the thermite reaction.

The reaction is as follows:

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

This displacement reaction is highly exothermic. The amount of heat evolved is so large that the metal is produced in the molten state.