This is a Thermite reaction that can be done safely indoors. The rust (Fe2O3) reacts with the aluminum foil (Al) to produce aluminum oxide (Al2O3), elemental iron (Fe) and heat. This reaction is a highly exothermic, single replacement reaction. Aluminum is oxidized and iron is reduced. The melting point of iron is 1530°C and the reaction temperature reaches approximately 2200 °C. (Thermal Energy released is ΔH° = –849 kJ/mole).
Related Resources:
Teacher Demo: Magnetic Braking
Categories: Teacher Demonstration
This very simple to perform demo can be made very memorable by ensuring the students see it as a discrepant event. Students are expecting to see a free fall but instead see a low terminal velocity... read more
Teacher Demo: An Eggciting Demonstration!
Categories: Teacher Demonstration
This demonstration is a dramatic look at the influence of the atmospheric pressure and the relationship of pressure and temperature of a gas. A burning piece of paper is inserted in a bottle and an... read more
Teacher Demo: Invisible Ink
Categories: Teacher Demonstration
In this demonstration, a chemical reaction is used to make a hidden message visible. The demonstration illustrates an entertaining application of chemical reactions in toys and everyday objects. It... read more