Question

Which of the following reactants are used to carry out the thermite reaction required for welding the broken railway tracks?

Options

• Al₂O₃ + Fe

• MnO₂ + Al

• Fe₂O₃ + Al

• Cu₂O + Fe

Answer 1

Fe₂O₃ + Al

Explanation:

The thermite reaction relies on highly reactive aluminium powder (Al) acting as a strong reducing agent for iron (III) oxide (Fe₂O₃). This displacement reaction is intensely exothermic, generating temperatures exceeding 2000°C. The immense heat instantly melts the displaced iron, allowing it to flow directly into the cracks in broken railway tracks and form a solid, durable weld upon cooling.