Answer :
Final answer:
The statement about thermite reactions used historically for welding and producing incendiary bombs is true. These reactions generate intense heat from the exothermic reaction between aluminum powder and iron(III) oxide to produce molten iron, which has applications in both civilian and military contexts.
Explanation:
The statement that thermite reactions have been used in the past for welding railroad rails, making incendiary bombs, and igniting solid-fuel rocket motors is True. Thermite reactions involve the exothermic reaction between aluminum powder and iron(III) oxide, producing molten iron and aluminum oxide in the process. This heat-intensive reaction has been employed for various purposes, due to the intense heat generated which can reach temperatures high enough to melt metals such as iron and steel.
In civilian applications, thermite reactions are utilized to repair broken locomotive axles and to weld railroad tracks by directing the molten iron produced into the space between rails. This is a convenient solution when axles cannot be removed for repair. Similarly, for military applications, thermite mixtures serve as powerful incendiary devices for starting fires, disabling weaponry, and can be an integral component of incendiary bombs. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is 2 Al(s) + Fe₂O₃(s) → 2 Fe(s) + Al₂O₃(s), indicating the reduction of iron and oxidation of aluminum.
