Calculating Unreacted Al in Thermite Reaction

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In summary, the question is asking for the amount of unreacted aluminum when 1 mole of aluminum is reacted with 10.0g of iron oxide. The chemical equation shows that 2 moles of aluminum are needed to fully react with 1 mole of iron oxide. This means that the aluminum is in excess and the iron oxide is the limiting reagent. To find the amount of unreacted aluminum, divide the mass of iron oxide by its molar weight to get the number of moles. Then, double this number to get the number of moles of aluminum needed. Subtract this number from the initial 1 mole of aluminum to get the amount of aluminum that remains unreacted. Finally, convert this number into
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chemister
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I have a question regarding the thermite reaction.

The chemical equation for it looks like:

[tex] Fe_{2}O_{3}+2Al----2Fe+Al_{2}O_{3}[/tex]

If 1 mole of Al is reacted with 10.0g of [tex]Fe_{2}O_{3}[/tex], how many grams of unreacted Al would remain?

Would you just convert the 10.0g to moles which would be 0.0626mol and then subtract from 1? Or do you have to us some kind of ratio too?

Thanks! :smile:
 
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Basically 1mole[tex] Fe_{2}O_{3}[/tex]reacts with two moles of Al.
 
  • #3
Huh? I don't understand?
 
  • #4
for every 1 mol of Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) you have, you will need 2 mols of Aluminum (Al) to react it fully.

if you know how much of both you have, then this will be easy.
it is pretty obvious, if not almost blatantly stated in the question that aluminum is in excess and Iron Oxide is your limiting reagent.
so convert the gram of Iron Oxide into mols by dividing the mass by the molar weight. then you know that you will need twice as many mols of aluminum as you have Iron Oxide to react it, so double it to get the number of mols of aluminum.
You know how many mols of aluminum you started out with (1), so then subtract the used mols of aluminum from how many you have, and that is how many are left over. after you get that, just convert that into grams by mltiplying by the molar weight of aluminum.
 

1. How do you calculate the amount of unreacted Al in a thermite reaction?

To calculate the amount of unreacted Al in a thermite reaction, you will need to know the initial amount of Al used in the reaction, as well as the amount of Al left after the reaction. This can be determined by measuring the mass of the reactants before and after the reaction and using the law of conservation of mass.

2. Can the amount of unreacted Al in a thermite reaction be determined experimentally?

Yes, the amount of unreacted Al in a thermite reaction can be determined experimentally by measuring the mass of the reactants before and after the reaction. The difference in mass will give the amount of Al that reacted, and the remaining mass will be the unreacted Al.

3. How does the particle size of Al affect the amount of unreacted Al in a thermite reaction?

The particle size of Al does not significantly affect the amount of unreacted Al in a thermite reaction. This is because the reaction is highly exothermic and produces a lot of heat, which melts and vaporizes the Al particles. Therefore, the reaction will continue until all the Al has been consumed, regardless of the particle size.

4. Is there a specific formula for calculating the amount of unreacted Al in a thermite reaction?

Yes, the formula for calculating the amount of unreacted Al in a thermite reaction is:
Unreacted Al = Initial mass of Al - Mass of Al left after the reaction

5. What factors can affect the accuracy of calculating unreacted Al in a thermite reaction?

The accuracy of calculating unreacted Al in a thermite reaction can be affected by factors such as experimental errors, incomplete reaction, and impurities in the reactants. It is important to ensure accurate measurement of the reactants and to conduct the reaction under controlled conditions to minimize these factors.

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