When two rusty iron balls—one wrapped in aluminum foil—are struck together, sparks and light are given off in this small scale thermite reaction.

Video of Microscope Thermite Reaction can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5VXt0hZOc8

What it Shows

This is a much safer, microscale version of the thermite reaction—very fun and easy to perform! The classic thermite reaction is a spectacular oxidation-reduction reaction that takes place when aluminum metal is reacted with rust, Fe 2 O 3 .

2Al(s) + Fe 2 O 3 (s) → Al 2 O 3 (s) + 2Fe(s) + heat

In this version, two rusty iron balls, approximately 2 kg each and 7 cm in diameter, are struck together with a glancing blow.

The mechanical energy of the balls colliding provides enough activation energy to allow the reaction to occur, resulting in the formation of the products and large amounts of heat.…