In this experiment, rust, or iron oxide, reacts with aluminum to produce iron and aluminum oxide. The reaction needs a little bit of energy to get started but once it starts it is very exothermic, meaning it releases heat energy. It releases so much energy that the temperature jumps to over 3,000 degrees F in seconds! That is hot enough to quickly melt the iron that is formed in the reaction. Thermite reactions where used to weld railroad ties together. #themoreyourknow
