Question

Conversion of ferric oxide to iron metal using aluminium is called
(A) Enrichment process
(B) Hematite reduction
(C) Thermite reaction
(D) None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: The reaction in which ferric oxide is converted into iron metal using aluminium is an exothermic process, as a certain amount heat is given out.
\[F{{e}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}+2Al\to Fe+A{{l}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}+heat\]

Complete Solution :
The reaction between metal and metal oxide is called Thermite reaction. Thermite is an exothermic reaction. A reaction in which energy is released in the form of heat is an exothermic reaction.
In this reaction, Aluminium reacts with ferric oxide to give Fe metal. Here aluminium acts as a reducing agent. It reduces the oxidation state of Fe from +3 to 0. During this reaction a large amount of energy is released in the form of heat.
\[F{{e}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}+2Al\to Fe+A{{l}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}+heat\]

Products formed are Aluminium oxide and iron metal. When the reacting mixture is heated, aluminium starts reacting faster. This is because aluminium is found to be more reactive than iron. Aluminium forms a more stable and stronger bond with oxygen than iron.
So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Additional Information:
Uses of Thermite reaction:
- The thermite reaction is used in the industry for welding purposes for joining the tracks.
- To produce incendiary devices.
- Thermite like mixtures are used in the fireworks.
- This reaction is also useful for the purification of ores of many metals.
- It can also be used in metal refining.

Note: -Thermite reaction can sometimes cause harm to our health, because thermite welding produces large amounts of heat and smoke.