Which of the following statements are true for the reaction of Fe₂O₃ w

Which of the following statements are true for the reaction of Fe₂O₃ with aluminium?

  • 1. It is known as the ‘thermite reaction’.
  • 2. The heat evolved is used for welding purpose.
  • 3. Aluminium metal acts as an oxidizing agent.
  • 4. Molten Fe and Al are formed at the end of the reaction.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

1 and 2
1 and 3
2 and 4
1 and 4
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2023
The reaction of Fe₂O₃ with aluminium is a highly exothermic displacement reaction where aluminium, being more reactive than iron, reduces iron(III) oxide to molten iron. The balanced chemical equation is 2Al + Fe₂O₃ → Al₂O₃ + 2Fe + Heat.
– Statement 1 is correct: This reaction is famously known as the thermite reaction.
– Statement 2 is correct: The large amount of heat produced in the thermite reaction results in molten iron, which is used for welding broken railway tracks or cracked machine parts (thermite welding).
– Statement 3 is incorrect: Aluminium acts as a reducing agent because it removes oxygen from Fe₂O₃. Iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃) acts as the oxidizing agent.
– Statement 4 is incorrect: Molten iron (Fe) is formed at the end of the reaction. Aluminium is converted to aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃), not molten aluminium metal.
The thermite reaction involves a redox process. Aluminium is oxidized (gains oxygen), and iron is reduced (loses oxygen). The reaction produces a significant amount of heat, reaching temperatures up to 2500°C, which is why the iron is produced in a molten state.
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