Question

In Goldschmidt aluminothermic process, thermite contains:
A. $3$ parts of $A{l_2}{O_3}$ and $4$ parts of $Al$
B. $3$ parts of $F{e_2}{O_3}$ and $2$ parts of $Al$
C. $3$ parts of $F{e_2}{O_3}$ and $1$ parts of $Al$
D. $1$ parts of $F{e_2}{O_3}$ and $1$ parts of $Al$
E. None of these

Answer 1

We need to know that thermite is a mixture which is composed of metal oxide and other metal powder. Aluminum is used as metal that reduces the metal oxide and it is a reducing process. This process produces more heat, aluminium oxide is a highly exothermic compound. The iron thermite is $F{e_2}{O_3}$ + $Al$.

Complete step by step answer:
We have to know that the thermite (or aluminothermic, because aluminium is used) reaction involves the reduction of metal oxide by an oxide of another metal, $F{e_2}{O_3}$. This process is also called the Goldschmidt reaction or Goldsmith process, because Hans Goldsmith developed. Hans Goldsmith is a German scientist, he developed the Goldsmith process in the end of the 18th century and he patented this technique. In the reaction aluminium is chosen as metal, because aluminium has strong affinity towards oxide.
The chemical reaction is,
$F{e_2}{O_3} + 2Al \to A{l_2}{O_3} + 2Fe + heat$
Ferric oxide is reduced by aluminium, it is highly exothermic. Molten state of iron is formed in the above reaction. Also this reaction is triggered by magnesium ribbon and presence of barium peroxide $\left( {Ba{O_2}} \right)$.
A thermite contains $F{e_2}{O_3}$, ferric oxide and aluminium in $3:1$ ratio by mass.
Option C.$3$ Parts of $F{e_2}{O_3}$ and $1$ parts of $Al$ is the correct option.

So, the correct answer is Option C.

Note: This reaction gives a pure state of products which cannot be separated by using carbon. In Pyro metallurgy of chromium and magnesium, thermite reaction is used and aluminium reduces chromium oxide to chromium. Other thermites are chromium thermite $\left( {C{r_2}{O_3} + Al} \right)$and copper thermite $\left( {CuO + Al} \right)$.
Railway tracks are joined by thermite welding. Thermites also have been used in diabiling munitions, metal refining and incendiary weapons. In fireworks thermite-like mixture is used as pyrotechnic (pyro means heat) initiators.