Thermite

A Demonstration of the Practical Applications of Thermodynamics

Presenter: Elizabeth Boggio

Co-Presenter(s):
Addison Kuang

Presenter Status: Undergraduate student

Academic Year: 22-23

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Bogdan Negru

Department: Chemistry

Abstract:
This service learning project is a proposal for an in-class demonstration of thermite to assist with the teaching of specific topics in general chemistry. Thermite is a broad term for the reactive mix of a pure metal and a metal oxide, which when ignited sparks an extremely exothermic redox reaction that provides enough heat to melt the resulting reduced metal. The thermite reaction demonstration provides an engaging learning opportunity for students in a general chemistry class, especially in the topics of redox reactions and thermodynamics. The impressively flashy nature and the clear, physical products of the reaction provide an example of the practical applications of the topics presented in related lectures and labs. Students can witness firsthand the oxidation and reduction of two chemical species, as well as the result of a strongly exothermic reaction.