This puts a new spin on the thermite demonstration that is so popular in this unit. Prepare the thermite by thoroughly mixing approximately 50 grams of iron (III) oxide and 18 grams of aluminum powders. Lightly dust a mixture of 10 grams each of sucrose and potassium chlorate over the top of the mixture. This should all be done in a small clay pot or a clean cat food can. In a pinch you can cut a coke can in half and use the bottom half. The mixture should be supported on an iron ring attached to a utility stand some 45 centimeters above the ground. The demonstration should definitely be performed outside. Once the students are well back, the instructor can ignite the mixture by dropping three or four drops of concentrated sulfuric acid on top. Safety glasses should certainly be worn and the instructor should move clear immediately. This reaction is very exothermic. Enough heat is released to produce white hot molten iron (iron melts at 1535°C and the temperature reached during this reaction exceeds 2000°C). Once the fireworks have subsided and everything has cooled down, you may wish to use a strong magnet to pick up the lump of iron produced.

For the demonstration, have your students do the following:
(a) Write a balanced equation for the thermite reaction.
(b) Calculate the ΔH_rxn using enthalpy of formation values.
(c) Given 50.0g of iron (III) oxide and 18.0 of aluminum powder, how much energy is released during this reaction?
(d) Assuming there are 700 food calories in a double cheeseburger, how many thermite reactions are equivalent to the energy content of a double cheeseburger?