Thermite Reaction

Dr. Bill Switzer from the N.C. State Department of Chemistry takes his "Chemistry on the Road" show to schools across the state. The focus of the demonstrations is the role of energy in chemical change. Dr. Switzer demonstrates how the potential energy of chemical bonds can be induced to yield light, sound, electricity, heat, and mechanical energy. The diversity of our atomic world is on center stage. The show is capped off by the incredible "thermite" reaction. How incredible? You had to be there to feel the power of a reaction that produces enough heat to melt iron (melting point = 1535 *C!!!).

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