Question

In the reaction
fe2 O3 + 2Al ->Al2 O3+Fe
Identify the reason
a) That is oxidised.
b) That is reduction.
c) That is reducing agent.

Answer 1

$\sf Fe_2O_3(s) + 2Al(s)\rightarrow Al_2O_3(s) + 2Fe(l)+ heat$

The reaction is thermite reaction. In this reaction, Aluminium is used to reduce another metal to obtain the pure metal.

a) Aluminium is oxidised to aluminium oxide

b) Ferric oxide is reduced to iron.

c) The substance that reduces other reactant or oxidises itself is the reducing agent. Hence Aluminium is the reducing agent.

$\rule{200}2$

Additional information

★ The heat energy released is so large in amount that the metal reduced is in its liquid state.

★ The heat energy released in this reaction is used to join cracked machine parts or railway tracks.