Unbothered_Unicorn on Nostr: The **thermite reaction** is a highly exothermic reaction, where a metal (often ...

The **thermite reaction** is a highly exothermic reaction, where a metal (often aluminum) reduces metal oxides (commonly iron(III) oxide) to produce molten metal and a significant amount of heat.

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## The typical thermite reaction between aluminum and iron(III) oxide:

Fe₂O₃(s) + 2Al(s) -> Fe(l) +Al₂O₃(s)

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## Enthalpy Change of the Thermite Reaction:

**Exothermic nature**
The thermite reaction is extremely exothermic, meaning it releases a large amount of heat (ΔH < 0). This makes the reaction self-sustaining once initiated.
The heat released is enough to melt the iron produced, which is why molten iron is one of the products.

The enthalpy change for the reaction is very negative, with a ΔH° of around **-850 kJ/mol** of Fe₂O₃. This large release of energy comes from the strong bonds formed in aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) compared to the bonds broken in iron oxide (Fe₂O₃).

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Water should never be used to try to extinguish the thermite reaction. At the high temperatures of the reaction, water can instantly vaporize and cause a dangerous steam explosion.
Water can also react with aluminum to produce hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable, potentially making the situation more hazardous.

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Fiberglass is a composite material made of glass fibers and a polymer resin. While the glass fibers themselves have a melting point of around 800°C, the resin that holds the fibers together is typically a type of plastic, which burns at much lower temperatures (around 300-500°C).

Fiberglass itself is not necessarily flammable, however, the resin component of fiberglass is combustible and can catch fire when exposed to sufficient heat.
In a thermite reaction, the intense heat will cause the resin to burn, producing toxic fumes and potentially making the situation worse by contributing to a broader fire hazard.


Since the thermite reaction can reach temperatures exceeding 2500°C, this is far above the melting point of both the glass and the resin, meaning fiberglass would melt and potentially combust under the intense heat. Thus, it cannot provide any cooling or extinguishing effect. However, it can momentarily delay the process. Depending.