Activation energy of Silicon Dioxide thermite reaction?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the Goldschmidt process involving the reaction between silicon dioxide and aluminum, specifically seeking to understand the activation energy and energy dynamics of the reaction. The original poster is interested in the difference between the energy produced and the energy required to sustain the reaction, noting that sulfur is often added to enhance energy yield through side reactions with aluminum. There is a request for clarification on the necessity of sulfur and whether the reaction can occur without such additives. Participants clarify the concept of a library, suggesting that specialized scientific libraries at universities would be more appropriate for research than public libraries. Additionally, a specific article reference is provided for further reading on the topic.
wil3
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I am not asking how to make this reaction. Please do not lock this thread just because it happens to contain the word "thermite". I am simply asking for information about this process for research involving silica.

The Goldshmidt process between silicon dioxide and aluminum is expressed by the equation:

http://amazingrust.com/Experiments/how_to/Images/Reaction10_a.gif

I have used a table of standard enthalpies of formation to determine the energy yield per mole of the bare reaction. My question is how can I determine the activation energy of this reaction? Please do not direct me to the Arrhenius rate equation unless you have rate information.

I am mainly interested in the difference between the energy produced per mole and the energy required to sustain the reaction per mole. This reaction is often "boosted" by adding sulfur to the mixture to increase the energy yield through side reactions with the aluminum. I am curious as to why this is necessary, and if it would be thermodynamically possible to carry out the reaction without the use of additives like sulfur.

Any additional information regarding the specific reasons why sulfur addition is necessary would be appreciated.

Thank you in advance for any responses!
 
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I can't think of any other way of getting the data then checking literature and handbooks (that is, visiting library).
 
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What is this "Library" you speak of? How do I do one?
 
You know, large rooms, shelves, books and librarian...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
wil3 said:
What is this "Library" you speak of? How do I do one?

Borek said:
You know, large rooms, shelves, books and librarian...

There might be some confusion here, based on the two of you being from different countries.

wil3, Borek probably means a library found in and operated by the chemistry department of a university or other scientific research institution. If you were thinking of a public library that caters to the general public, then no that would be the wrong place to look.
 
Redbelly98 said:
wil3, Borek probably means a library found in and operated by the chemistry department of a university or other scientific research institution...

And while you are there, look for the following article

J. Materials Sci., Vol. 28, No. 14, pps. 3693-3708.

Smile for the cameras...
 

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