The thermite doesn't exactly make its own oxygen, it's already there in the iron oxide (Fe2O3), and simply get's "transferred" in the reaction:
Fe2O3 + 2Al --> 2Fe + Al2O3
Thermite has its own oxygen source so it can burn without an outer source of oxygen, including underwater and in the vacuum of space. However, I do doubt that thermite can burn in space, since space is quite cold. It would just depend in how far away from the Sun you are when you light the thermite.
Nope!
No it is not. You can own termite in the US.
When thermite is ignited, it produces intense heat through an exothermic oxidation-reduction reaction. Adding oxygen and hydrogen to the mix could potentially react with the thermite, leading to a more explosive combustion. The hydrogen could react with the oxygen to form water, while the thermite reaction continues to generate high temperatures and release molten metal. Safety precautions must be taken when experimenting with these materials, as it can lead to a highly dangerous and uncontrolled reaction.
Attempting to put out thermite with water is dangerous since it can create an explosive reaction due to its extreme heat. The safest way to handle a thermite reaction is by letting it burn out on its own in a controlled environment. Using a Class D fire extinguisher specifically designed for metal fires could also be effective in extinguishing thermite.
There are two possibilities. Possibility 1: The thermite through burning is reaching a temperature high enough to give enough energy to break the Hydrogen- Oxygen bond, therefore producing two highly flammable gases which would then explode. Possibility 2: As the thermite is burning it melts the ice to water and then to water vapour, this will then aeresolise the thermite rapidly therefore giving the illusion of it exploding, but not actually doing so.
it is illegal to make or possess more than 1 gram of any pyrotechnic composition. Thermite is a pyrotechnic composition, so unless you get permission to use a highly combustible substance at a rock concert, I'm afraid that you can only make it in 1 gram quantities, IF you want to pay attention to the law... if you don't however... just don't go blowing up government buildings! The previous answerer was incorrect about the amount that is legal to own. I owned over five pounds of thermite and some other pyrotechnic compositions, and as long as I used it for non-malicious purposes and keep everything safe, no one had a problem with it. I'm pretty sure it is legal to own in the UK, as most other places. Just make sure everyone and everything is safe when you do light thermite or any other pyrotechnic composition. However, flash powder is somewhat of an expection, since it is considered a type of explosive in some places.
oxygen
Copper thermite is a type of thermite where instead of the iron oxide, copper oxide is used instead. The reaction produces pure copper metal, but this thermite gets a little more splattery than the iron thermite.
Thermite is manufactured from pure metals and avoiding the use of carbon in the process of it. Thermite was originally discovered by a German chemist named Hans Goldschmidt.
Thermite can be used to melt ice quickly and effectively by producing a high temperature reaction that generates intense heat. When ignited, thermite reacts with oxygen to create a molten iron mixture that can reach temperatures over 2500 degrees Celsius. This extreme heat rapidly melts the ice, making it a fast and efficient method for ice removal.
Thermite itself is not illegal, but it is highly regulated because of its potential for misuse. Special permits or licenses may be required to possess, use, or transport thermite. It is important to check and comply with local laws and regulations before obtaining or using thermite.