Question

Thermite is a mixture of iron oxide and ______________.
A. aluminum powder
B. zinc powder
C. iron turnings
D. zinc turnings

Answer 1

We first need to know about the thermite and about its composition to get to the answer. The element in the answer is a light, yet strong and durable metal which is powdered and is also used in the manufacture of aircrafts

Complete answer:
Thermit, also called Thermite, is a powdered mixture utilized in manufacture of incendiary bombs, to reduce the metals from their oxides, and is also used as a source of warmth in welding iron and steel and in foundry work. The powder usually consists of aluminum and therefore the oxide of a metal like iron. When ignited or heated, it gives off an unlimited amount of warmth as a result of the chemical reaction of the aluminum with the oxygen of the oxide. The temperature of the reaction about ${{2400}^{0}}C$ . Thermite could be a chemical mixture composed mainly of a metal oxide and aluminum powder. To supply Iron, Ferric (Iron) Oxide is employed, although other metals will be made using other metal oxides. When ignited, Thermite produces very high temperatures (over 4,000 degrees F), together with generous amounts of molten metal. Now let's come to the final answer. Thermite is a mixture of iron oxide $F{{e}_{2}}{{O}_{3}}$ (rust) and aluminum powder. When it is ignited the aluminum powder reacts with the rust thus by undergoing a highly exothermic reaction, the resulting product is molten iron. Thermite is commonly used for welding as the molten iron has the ability to seep into cracks in metal.

So the correct option is A that is aluminum powder.

Note: Usage of thermite is illegal in some places. This is one of the dangerous activities. Thermite burns at an extremely high temperature and may cause burns. If something happens don't forget to use emergency services immediately.