The thermite reaction was one of my favorite reactions to perform as a demonstration for my students. It is a highly exothermic reaction between Aluminum (Al) and Iron Oxide (Fe3O4 or Fe2O3). I cannot say that it has the highest activation energy of any reaction, but it does require a good push to get it started. In my demonstrations, I used a two stage fuse consisting of a strip of Magnesium (Mg) and a small amount of Barium Peroxide (BaO2). I used a match to ignite the Mg, the heat from the Mg ignited the BaO2 and the heat from the BaO2 ignited the thermite mixture. The literature value I found for the activation energy is 145 kJ/mol. The spectacular reaction that occurs after the initial push is exothermic and causes the reaction to be self-sustaining until the reactants are used.
On the other side of the coin is the decomposition of NI3, the so-called “Devil’s Footsteps” reaction. This reaction is also highly exothermic, but its activation energy is tiny in comparison to any other reaction I have seen. Once dry, the slightest touch of a feather is enough to set it off. In fact, it is only safe to work with it for a minute or two, immediately after preparing it while it is still wet. I have even seen it set off by a gentle draft of wind.
As with all demonstrations, you should not attempt to perform these unless you have extensive chemical training. Even then, you should apply the utmost care and safety precautions.
The thermite reaction was one of my favorite reactions to perform as a demonstration for my students. It is a highly exothermic reaction between Aluminum (Al) and Iron Oxide (Fe3O4 or Fe2O3). I cannot say that it has the highest activation energy of any reaction, but it does require a good push to get it started. In my demonstrations, I used a two stage fuse consisting of a strip of Magnesium (Mg) and a small amount of Barium Peroxide (BaO2). I used a match to ignite the Mg, the heat from the Mg ignited the BaO2 and the heat from the BaO2 ignited the thermite mixture. The literature value I found for the activation energy is 145 kJ/mol. The spectacular reaction that occurs after the initial push is exothermic and causes the reaction to be self-sustaining until the reactants are used.
On the other side of the coin is the decomposition of NI3, the so-called “Devil’s Footsteps” reaction. This reaction is also highly exothermic, but its activation energy is tiny in comparison to any other reaction I have seen. Once dry, the slightest touch of a feather is enough to set it off. In fact, it is only safe to work with it for a minute or two, immediately after preparing it while it is still wet. I have even seen it set off by a gentle draft of wind.
As with all demonstrations, you should not attempt to perform these unless you have extensive chemical training. Even then, you should apply the utmost care and safety precautions.
Activation energy doesn’t affect the heat produced by a reaction It does affect the speed at which the reaction takes place.
Activation energy doesn’t affect the heat produced by a reaction It does affect the speed at which the reaction takes place.
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The thermite reaction was one of my favorite reactions to perform as a demonstration for my students. It is a highly exothermic reaction between Aluminum (Al) and Iron Oxide (Fe3O4 or Fe2O3). I cannot say that it has the highest activation energy of any reaction, but it does require a good push to get it started. In my demonstrations, I used a two stage fuse consisting of a strip of Magnesium (Mg) and a small amount of Barium Peroxide (BaO2). I used a match to ignite the Mg, the heat from the Mg ignited the BaO2 and the heat from the BaO2 ignited the thermite mixture. The literature value I found for the activation energy is 145 kJ/mol. The spectacular reaction that occurs after the initial push is exothermic and causes the reaction to be self-sustaining until the reactants are used.
On the other side of the coin is the decomposition of NI3, the so-called “Devil’s Footsteps” reaction. This reaction is also highly exothermic, but its activation energy is tiny in comparison to any other reaction I have seen. Once dry, the slightest touch of a feather is enough to set it off. In fact, it is only safe to work with it for a minute or two, immediately after preparing it while it is still wet. I have even seen it set off by a gentle draft of wind.
As with all demonstrations, you should not attempt to perform these unless you have extensive chemical training. Even then, you should apply the utmost care and safety precautions.
The thermite reaction was one of my favorite reactions to perform as a demonstration for my students. It is a highly exothermic reaction between Aluminum (Al) and Iron Oxide (Fe3O4 or Fe2O3). I cannot say that it has the highest activation energy of any reaction, but it does require a good push to get it started. In my demonstrations, I used a two stage fuse consisting of a strip of Magnesium (Mg) and a small amount of Barium Peroxide (BaO2). I used a match to ignite the Mg, the heat from the Mg ignited the BaO2 and the heat from the BaO2 ignited the thermite mixture. The literature value I found for the activation energy is 145 kJ/mol. The spectacular reaction that occurs after the initial push is exothermic and causes the reaction to be self-sustaining until the reactants are used.
On the other side of the coin is the decomposition of NI3, the so-called “Devil’s Footsteps” reaction. This reaction is also highly exothermic, but its activation energy is tiny in comparison to any other reaction I have seen. Once dry, the slightest touch of a feather is enough to set it off. In fact, it is only safe to work with it for a minute or two, immediately after preparing it while it is still wet. I have even seen it set off by a gentle draft of wind.
As with all demonstrations, you should not attempt to perform these unless you have extensive chemical training. Even then, you should apply the utmost care and safety precautions.
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