By Sam Eyers
On Monday 11 August, as one of many Science Week experiments, Year 9 had the opportunity to explore the bright, brilliant and copper-melting thermite reaction.
Supervised by their classroom teachers and operated by Mr. Battaglia, the boys were presented with 6 different cups containing aluminium and copper oxide, with a magnesium strip standing vertically above.
Mr. Battaglia initiated the experiment by lighting the magnesium(Mg) strip which acted as a catalyst. The magnesium strip produced a dazzling light as the magnesium burned and became Magnesium Oxide (MgO2) meandering its way to the main reaction. This also gave Mr. Battaglia enough time to clear the area before the proper reaction occurred.
After ignition, the Copper(II) Oxide(CuO) and aluminium (Al) powder react, reducing the mixture to pure copper due to aluminium having more stable bonding qualities with oxygen – as well as a lot of heat, light, sound and aluminium oxide.
This highly exothermic reaction is also a great example of energy transformations as the reaction has a huge explosion with meters of fire and a loud bang.
For some, it was a moment to apply their learnings of ionic compounds in class. For others, it was a chance to see a fireball, smoke and some molten copper. No matter what came out of it, everyone that participated could agree that it was a blazing way to kick off the week to come including numerous experiments like Owl-topsies, and an assembly explosion!