Exotic thermite investigation

Worksheet/activity to investigate exotic thermites. Encourages practical use of essential chemistry numeracy skills, from molar quantities to enthalpy calculations.

DISCLAIMER - This should not be attempted with students without experience in handling these substances! The reactions are very energetic and if done above the recommended quantities many of thermite reactions can get hot enough to melt crucibles. At the recommended quantities, the reactions can safely be done by students. Though care should be had with any Manganese thermite as these are often very quick! Do not stand directly over the reaction! Copper thermite should only be attempted with less energetic powdered zinc as with aluminium this one can be overly energetic.

Basically don’t ever try this if you haven’t experimented with the different thermites yourself first. Having said that, I have run this several times with no problems

If a reaction does not work it can be a great opportunity to explain why and to demonstrate the mathematics that correctly predicts the outcome.

You can also use powdered magnesium for a more powerful reducing agent - though only with professional supervision

This is great if you time for Alevel students or in a chemistry club