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======Thermite Spheres======


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**Materials: **{{$demo.materials_description}}\\
**Difficulty: **{{$demo.difficulty_description}}\\
**Safety: **{{$demo.safety_description}}\\
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**Categories:** {{$demo.categories}}
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**Alternative titles:** Safe Thermite Reaction, Microscale Thermite Reaction
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====Summary====                   
{{$demo.summary}}


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/* PROCEDURE - Optional                                                                                */
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====Procedure====  
  - Obtain two rusty iron spheres.
  - Strike the spheres together without foil to show that no reaction occurs.
  - Wrap both spheres with a layer of aluminum foil.
  - Strike the foil-wrapped spheres together firmly.
  - Observe the loud popping sound and sparks, especially visible in a darkened room.
  - Inspect the spheres to show that rust has been reduced to iron and the aluminum has been oxidized.


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====Links==== 
Microscale Thermite Reactione - Harvard Natural Sciences Lecture Demonstratrions: 
{{youtube>V5VXt0hZOc8?}}\\
📄 (Safe) Thermite Reaction (On page 5) - Author: [[https://www.unco.edu/nhs/science/pdf/demos/2005_CSC.pdf]]\\


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====Variations====
  * Use different degrees of rust on the spheres to see if reaction intensity changes.
  * Compare the reaction with a true thermite mixture (iron oxide + aluminum powder) for students at an advanced level.



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====Safety Precautions====
  * Safety glasses and gloves must be worn at all times.
  * Perform away from flammable materials.
  * Do not allow students to strike the spheres themselves; only an instructor should handle them.
  * Ensure that spectators are kept at a safe distance.


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====Questions to Consider====
  * What is being reduced and what is being oxidized in this reaction?
  * Why does aluminum replace iron in the reaction?
  * How does this “safe thermite” compare to a traditional thermite reaction in terms of energy release?
  * Why is rust (iron oxide) required for the reaction to occur?
  * What does the spark and popping sound reveal about the energy released during the reaction?


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/* Complete information in the Demonstration Info box below, following instructions exactly. */