experiment instructions at the bottom (read before doing the question)

Part A2: Thermite Reaction of Iron (III) Oxide and Aluminum Powder

a. Record the initial, during and final observations for the thermite reaction involving iron (III) oxide and aluminium.

b. Complete the data table for the mass measurements.

mass of iron (||) oxide powder
mass of aluminum powder

c. Using the mass of the reactants listed above, determine which reactant is the limiting reagent for the thermite reaction and determine the theoretical yield of iron metal produced. Show all work for the calculation clearly.

d. What is the role of glycerine in the thermite reaction?

experiment instructions (read before doing the question)

Part A2: Thermite Reaction of Iron (III) Oxide and Aluminum Powder

The reaction of aluminium powder and iron (III) oxide is very exothermic and potentially dangerous. It will be performed by your instructor only as a demonstration. Do not try this reaction yourself. The reaction of potassium permanganate with glycerine is an exothermic reaction that is use to initiate the single replacement reaction between iron (III) oxide and aluminum. 14 KMnO4(s) + 4 C3H5(OH)3(l) 7 K2CO3(s) + 7 Mn2O3(s) + 5 CO2(g) + 16 H2O(g) + energy

Fe2O3(s) + 2 Al(s) Al2O3(s) + 2 Fe(s)

1. 2.5-3.0g of iron (III) oxide powder is measured into a weigh boat on a top-loading balance and transferred to a paper cup. Record the initial appearance and mass of the iron (III) oxide powder in the space provided on your lab report sheets.

2. 0.8-1.0g of aluminum powder is measured into a weigh boat on a top-loading balance. Record the initial appearance and mass of the aluminum powder in the space provided on your lab report sheets.

3. The aluminum powder is transferred to the paper cup containing the iron (III) oxide powder and the powders stirred to produce a homogeneous mixture.

4. The powders are packed down with a large test tube and a cone-shape depression created in the centre for the detonating mixture.

5. 0.8-1.0g of potassium permanganate salt is measured in a weigh boat on a top-loading balance and placed in the depression in the powder mixture. (It is very important not to mix the potassium permanganate with the other chemicals.) Calorimetry 4

6. The paper cup containing the chemical mixture is placed in the centre of a sand bucket. (A large tin filled with dry sand.)

7. After placing the tin/bucket in a fume hood, 1 drop of glycerine is added to the potassium permanganate to initiate the chemical reaction. Record all your observations in the appropriate section in the laboratory report sheets.