Answer :
Final answer:
The thermite reaction equation is balanced, adhering to the Law of Conservation of Mass, with equal numbers of each type of atom on both sides of the equation. This exothermic reaction generates significant heat, enabling it to melt iron and weld metal structures in various applications.
Explanation:
The thermite reaction involves the reaction of powdered aluminum with iron(III) oxide and is represented by the chemical equation:
2 Al(s) + Fe₂O₃ (s) → 2 Fe(s) + Al₂O₃(s)
The equation is balanced as it follows the Law of Conservation of Mass, ensuring that the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation. For aluminum, there are 2 atoms on the reactant side and 2 atoms on the product side (within Al₂O₃). For iron, there are 2 iron atoms in Fe₂O₃ on the reactant side and 2 iron atoms on the product side. Oxygen has 3 atoms on the reactant side within Fe₂O₃ and also 3 atoms on the product side within Al₂O₃.
This exothermic reaction is widely used for welding applications such as joining railroad tracks and is also used in military purposes as an incendiary device and for disabling enemy weapons. The heat generated from this reaction is substantial enough to melt the iron, allowing it to flow and fill gaps between metal parts, creating a strong weld once it cools.
