This highly
exothermic
reaction
occurs
between
iron (III)
and
aluminium.
This
produces
molten iron.
Why does it happen?
The reaction occurs
because aluminium is a
more reactive metal
than iron.
Aluminium
steals the
oxygen from iron
oxide leaving
iron and
aluminium oxide.
This is a
competition
reaction.
How does it happen?
The heat from the
magnesium ribbon
(once lighted) starts
the reaction, and
once underway, it can
reach temperatures of
up to 2000°C.
Any Similar Reactions?
To vary the
reaction, you
could use a
number of metal
oxides. The
important thing
to remember is
that the metal
must be more
reactive than
the metal oxide.
Who reacts?
iron (III) oxide + aluminium → aluminium oxide + iron