Thermite and Redox Reactions
Redox reactions involve the transfer of electrons between substances, with thermite being a dramatic example showing how oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously in highly exothermic reactions.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Oxidation is the loss of electrons; reduction is the gain of electrons — remembered with OIL RIG
In every redox reaction, one substance is oxidised while another is simultaneously reduced
Thermite is a reaction between aluminium powder and iron oxide, producing molten iron and large amounts of heat
Oxidising agents cause oxidation of another substance (and are themselves reduced)
Half-equations show either the oxidation or reduction process in a redox reaction separately
Key Vocabulary
Oxidation
The loss of electrons by a substance in a chemical reaction
Reduction
The gain of electrons by a substance in a chemical reaction
Redox reaction
A reaction in which both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously
Half-equation
An equation showing either the oxidation or reduction process in a redox reaction, including electrons
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
In the thermite reaction, aluminium reduces iron oxide. What happens to the aluminium?
Question 2
Which statement correctly defines a reducing agent?
Question 3
Write the oxidation half-equation for Fe^3+ gaining 3 electrons to form Fe. Which is correct?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Oxidation is the loss of electrons; reduction is the gain of electrons — remembered with OIL RIG
- ●In every redox reaction, one substance is oxidised while another is simultaneously reduced
- ●Thermite is a reaction between aluminium powder and iron oxide, producing molten iron and large amounts of heat
- ●Oxidising agents cause oxidation of another substance (and are themselves reduced)
- ●Half-equations show either the oxidation or reduction process in a redox reaction separately