Question

Define thermite reaction.

Answer 1

Thermite is a pyrotechnic composition of metal powder, which serves as fuel, and metal oxide. When ignited by heat, thermite undergoes an exothermic reduction-oxidation reaction.

Answer 2

The thermite reaction can be described by the chemical equation below:
Fe2O3 (s) + 2 Al (s) → Al2O3 (s) + 2 Fe (s)
This reaction is initiated by heat (burning Mg) and becomes self-sustaining. The reaction generates oxygen and therefore combustion occurs even in the absence of oxygen.