A thermite reaction is a type of reaction in which a metal oxide is reduced by using aluminum as the reducing agent. It is generally exothermic in nature, meaning that a large amount of heat is liberated. Due to this heat, the metals produced are in the molten state. An example of a thermite reaction is the reduction of iron (III) oxide by using aluminum powder:

Fe2O3(s) + 2Al(s) → 2Fe(l) + Al2O3(s) + Heat

One use of this reaction is in thermite welding, which is used to weld broken pieces of iron. The iron obtained in this process is in the molten state due to the large amount of heat liberated in the process. The thermite reaction has also been used industrially for the preparation of metals from their oxides and the production of incendiary devices. It is important to note that the thermite reaction produces intense heat and molten metal, so it should be performed with caution and safety measures should be taken.