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The thermite reaction, a mixture of aluminum powder and iron(III) oxide is known as an aluminothermic

reaction, that is, an incendiary mixture of aluminum with another metal such as zirconium, magnesium,

titanium, or depleted uranium, which burns at very high temperatures around 2000° to about 3000°C. Such

aluminothermic reactions can be explosive and have been used in warfare in incendiary bombs.

The Thermite process was developed by Hans Goldschmidt in 1893. While investigating what happens

when a mixture of a metal oxide and aluminum was applied to carbon-free metals, he found he could create

a quality molten steel in small quantities.

At the time, railroad tracks were joined together by the use of nuts, bolts and angle bars (you can see these

types of bars between the joints on the sides of rail). Such joints are maintenance intensive as the nuts and

bolts can work loose causing play between each rail in the joint. This is the cause of the "clack-clack clackclack" sounds you may have heard riding on railroad cars. Jointed rail is also prone to pulling apart as the

joints expand and contract with changes in weather along with the battering of the ends of the rails get

slammed by the wheels of the trains passing over them, resulting in the bolts within the joint deteriorating

from the motion of the rail, cracking and eventually breaking. Also, nuts tend to work loose and back off

the bolts. If the nuts are not periodically checked and tightened and worn bolts replaced, track failure can

occur.

Goldschmidt demonstrated that the thermite process could be used to precision-weld two pieces of metal

end to end, including rails. This welding compound was called Thermit

®

and was used to weld streetcar

track for the Essen. Within years, the Thermite

®

process was established as the worldwide standard for

welding streetcar track. The big railroad companies held back until the end of the 1920s before starting to

use Thermit

®

to make their track safer, more comfortable and faster.

Growing up in the city of Philadelphia, which had an extensive trolley system throughout the city, this

author observed repair crews using the thermite reaction to repair cracks in the tracks.

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Why is the thermit reaction used on railway lines?

The thermit reaction is used on railway lines to join or weld together pieces of steel rails. It creates a strong and durable bond between the rails, which helps to maintain the structural integrity of the track and prevent rail breaks or gaps. Additionally, thermit welding is a fast and efficient method that can be done on-site without the need for specialized equipment.


What is thermit process?

The thermite process is a type of exothermic reaction where a mixture of aluminum powder and a metal oxide, typically iron oxide, is ignited to produce intense heat. This reaction is often used for welding and in incendiary devices.


Where is the thermit reaction used?

The thermite reaction usually has two reactants: Iron III oxide (Fe2O3, rust) and aluminum. Both reactants are in powdered form. The reaction is exothermic (heat is given out) The reaction equation is: Fe2O3 + 2Al --> Al2O3 + 2Fe The products are aluminum oxide (corundum) and molten iron.


What is the first-order reaction formula used to determine the rate of a chemical reaction?

The first-order reaction formula used to determine the rate of a chemical reaction is: Rate kA, where Rate is the reaction rate, k is the rate constant, and A is the concentration of the reactant.


If the first reaction used 0.5 g of copper then how many grams of copper will be produced in the last reaction?

Depends on what the last reaction is. And probably what the first reaction was too. Insufficient information in the question.

Related Questions

Why is the thermit reaction used on railway lines?

The thermit reaction is used on railway lines to join or weld together pieces of steel rails. It creates a strong and durable bond between the rails, which helps to maintain the structural integrity of the track and prevent rail breaks or gaps. Additionally, thermit welding is a fast and efficient method that can be done on-site without the need for specialized equipment.


What is the thermit reaction and how is it used to end broken railway lines?

The thermite reaction is a highly exothermic oxidation-reduction reaction between a metal oxide and aluminum powder to produce molten iron. It is used to weld or join metal parts together as the high heat generated by the reaction melts and fuses the metals. In the case of broken railway lines, thermite welding is used to repair the rail by creating a strong, seamless joint.


Why is Thermit reaction so important?

The Thermit reaction is important because it produces high temperatures and can be used for welding and metal cutting. The reaction creates intense heat (up to 2500 degrees Celsius) by combining aluminum powder with a metal oxide, such as iron oxide, which results in the release of molten metal. Additionally, Thermit reactions are useful in industries where precise and strong bonding of metals is required.


Why is barium peroxide used in the thermit reaction?

Barium peroxide is used in the thermit reaction primarily as an oxidizing agent. It helps to increase the reaction's temperature and efficiency by providing additional oxygen, facilitating the reduction of metal oxides. The higher temperature generated by the reaction enhances the reduction process, allowing for more efficient metal extraction or alloying. Additionally, barium compounds can help in controlling the reaction's by-products, making the process more manageable.


What is a thermit reaction?

Thermite is a pyrotechnic composition of a metal powder and a metal oxide, which produces an aluminothermic reaction known as a thermite reaction. It is not explosive, but can create short bursts of extremely high temperatures focused on a very small area for a short period of time.


When is a thermit mixture commonly used?

Thermit mixture is commonly used in welding and metal cutting applications, particularly for joining or repairing rail tracks, pipelines, and heavy machinery components.


What is thermit process?

The thermite process is a type of exothermic reaction where a mixture of aluminum powder and a metal oxide, typically iron oxide, is ignited to produce intense heat. This reaction is often used for welding and in incendiary devices.


Where is the thermit reaction used?

The thermite reaction usually has two reactants: Iron III oxide (Fe2O3, rust) and aluminum. Both reactants are in powdered form. The reaction is exothermic (heat is given out) The reaction equation is: Fe2O3 + 2Al --> Al2O3 + 2Fe The products are aluminum oxide (corundum) and molten iron.


Why transition metals are used to speed up chemical reactions?

They act as cataylst which pretty much speeds up the reaction. The industy like products that form in short amount of time. Also they dont react with starting reactants and product.


How is aluminium metal extracted by thermite process?

the reaction of iron(iii)oxide (Fe2O3) with alumimium is used to join the railway tracks or cracked machine parts. the reaction is known as ALUMINO THERMIT PROCESS. REACTION :- Fe2o3(s)+2Al(s) --> 2Fe(l)+Al2O3(s)+Heat -by kartikcool.cool@gmail.com


What type of display is used on railway station?

arylic sign board display usually used in the railway station . some big advertising display board also used in the railway station . or some good display stand used in the malls or supermarket in the railway station .


Which types of screw threads are used in railway carriage couplings?

knuckle threads are used in railway carriage couplings.