Question

Give reasons for the following:

The reaction of Iron (III) oxide with heated Aluminium is used to join cracked machine parts.

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Answer 1

Iron (III) oxide is heated with aluminium powder to form iron and aluminium oxide. This is another example of a displacement reaction and is highly exothermic.

Answer 2

• The reaction between Iron (III) oxide and heated Aluminium produces a thermite reaction, which generates an intense amount of heat. This heat can easily melt both the Iron (III) oxide and Aluminium, allowing them to mix and fuse together. This process is particularly useful for joining cracked machine parts because it creates a strong bond and helps repair the parts without requiring complex equipment or techniques.

★ The thermite reaction occurs at a high temperature, ensuring thorough fusion and minimizing the risk of weak points in the joint.