Question

Iron nail wrapped with aluminum Write the balanced overall reaction. (It helps to write this on a piece of paper first)

Answer 1

The reaction between an iron nail wrapped with aluminum typically does not happen under standard conditions; however, in the presence of iron oxide and aluminum reacting in a thermite reaction, the balanced equation is Fe₂O₃ + 2Al → 2Fe + Al₂O₃, releasing a lot of heat.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question seems to be asking for the chemical reaction that occurs between an iron nail and aluminum when wrapped together. If we are considering a simple displacement reaction where the more reactive aluminum displaces iron from its compound, no such reaction would normally be written because aluminum and iron do not spontaneously react in such a way under standard conditions. However, if the iron nail were initially oxidized (rust) forming iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) and aluminum is present as a reducing agent, then we can have a thermite reaction, which is as follows:

1. Write down the formulas for aluminum and iron oxide: Al and Fe₂O₃.
2. Identify that aluminum is the reducing agent and iron oxide is the oxidizing agent.
3. Write the balanced equation: Fe₂O₃ + 2Al → 2Fe + Al₂O₃.

This thermite reaction is highly exothermic and is used in welding to produce molten iron. Aluminum reduces the iron oxide to iron, and in the process, it is oxidized to form aluminum oxide.