Thermite reaction on stove top?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the observation of a color change in a cast iron grate on a gas stove, with participants exploring whether this change could be attributed to a low-grade thermite reaction involving aluminum and iron. The scope includes theoretical considerations of chemical reactions and practical implications of stove usage.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the setup involving a gas stove and an aluminum pot, questioning if a low-grade thermite reaction could explain the color change of the grate.
  • Another participant suggests that the color change could be due to the gas flame's varying oxidizing and reducing areas, rather than a thermite reaction.
  • A different participant notes that the thermite reaction produces aluminum oxide and molten iron, indicating that without visible rust, a thermite reaction is unlikely.
  • Further, it is mentioned that for a thermite reaction to occur, a good supply of rust and finely granular materials are necessary, along with very high temperatures to initiate the reaction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the observed color change can be attributed to a thermite reaction, with some arguing against it based on the absence of rust and the conditions required for such a reaction.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the need for specific conditions, such as the presence of rust and the granularity of materials, which may not have been met in this scenario. There is also mention of the high temperatures required to initiate a thermite reaction, which may not be achievable in the described setup.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals exploring chemical reactions, particularly those involving aluminum and iron, as well as those curious about practical chemistry in everyday applications like cooking.

bork2
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Gas stove with 16000 btu output and cast iron grate (non coated)---using an old aluminum pot (non anodized, etc). The grate has changed from black (no apparent rust) to a light gray color. Was there some type of low grade thermite reaction here?? Any comments or thoughts on this? Thanx
 
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A lot depends on what you mean by

bork2 said:
some type of low grade thermite reaction

But in general - no. Gas flame has different areas, reducing and oxidizing, that's perfectly enough to change the color on the iron grate.
 
bork2 said:
Gas stove with 16000 btu output and cast iron grate (non coated)---using an old aluminum pot (non anodized, etc). The grate has changed from black (no apparent rust) to a light gray color. Was there some type of low grade thermite reaction here?? Any comments or thoughts on this? Thanx
With the Thermit reaction, there is, in addition to metallic iron, the formation of aluminium oxide, which you do not mention seeing. It has been known for explosions to occur when an aluminium fuel nozzle is banged against a rusty iron tank filler.
 
A thermite reaction once it starts is relatively easy to detect because in the redox reaction, fully consumes one of the reagents (rust) leaving behind molten iron. No rust, no thermite. Essentially, aluminum is burnt using the oxygen not in the air, but in the iron. But for this to occur, there has to be a good supply of rust and both it and the aluminum must be extremely granular to allow for the mixing of the two reagents so that the molecules of the oxide are close and readily available to the element. Remember that Al undergoes passiviation and the getting the reaction started to begin with is difficult and requires very high temperatures, like the burning of a magnesium ribbon.
 
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