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The thermite reaction

Aluminium steals oxygen from iron oxide — and makes molten iron.

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What you do

1. Add iron(III) oxide and aluminium powder to the dish.
2. Add a magnesium ribbon as a fuse.
3. Heat until the magnesium fuse lights the mixture (speed ×5).

Safety in a real lab

⚠ Demonstration only, outdoors, behind a screen. Reaches about 2500 °C and throws molten iron.

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