1. A classic exothermic metal displacement reaction

2. http://www.bathtram.org/tfb/Thermit.gif

3. http://www.oberoithermit.com/images/thermit1.jpg Welcome to Oberoi Thermit Pvt. Ltd............................................................................................................... Indian Railways, one of the largest railways in the world has come a long way in terms of development, and even today it is a very fast improving organization. The backbone of every railway organization is it’s track, and the comfort and safety provided by the track depends largely on the Thermit weld. Thermit welding provides a fast and economical method of joining the rails at site. It enables high speeds, more safety and longer life of rails and the rolling stock. It also improves the quality of the weld joint due to a reduced Heat Affected Zone (HAZ).

4. http://www.uni-bayreuth.de/departments/ddchemie/umat/eisen/images/thermit.jpg Zu übersetzendes Konrad

5. GERMAN MEDIA Click here

6. Thermit reaction Aluminium + Iron(111) oxide ---->Aluminium oxide + Iron http://www2.uni-siegen.de/~pci/versuche/english/v44-13.html Due to very high temperatures (up to 2400°C, reaction enthalpy: 852 kJ/mol) the reaction of iron oxide with aluminium forms elemental iron, which seeps in liquid form out of the flower pot drainage hole:

7. http://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/~cchieh/cact/c120/heatreac.html Useful link although it doesn't define statements correctly and cannot spell phosphorus

8. Associated maths If you want to use 10g of Al, what mass of iron oxide is required What mass of iron will form How much heat is released