Question

Compound $X$and aluminium are used to join railway tracks.
Identify the compound $X$.
A.$FeO$
B.$F{e_2}{O_3}$
C.$F{e_3}{O_4}$
D.None of these

Answer 1

Hint: The oxide of iron used to join railway tracks is iron $(III)$oxide. The reaction which is used to join railway tracks is known as thermite reaction. In thermite a lot of energy is released through which different railway tracks are joined.

Complete step by step answer:
First of all we will read some terms like oxide, hydroxides, exothermic reactions, endothermic reactions and the balanced reaction.
Oxides: Those compounds which are formed by reaction of metal or non-metal with oxygen, are known as oxides. For example: Oxide of iron, oxide of magnesium, oxide of aluminium.
Hydroxides: The compounds which are formed by the reaction of metal or non-metal with hydroxide ion, is known as hydroxides. For example: aluminium hydroxide, copper hydroxide.
Exothermic reaction: Those reactions which release energy in the form of heat or light during reaction, are known as exothermic reactions.
Endothermic reactions: Those reactions which require some or very large energy to start the reaction i.e. the reaction which do not take place without providing energy, are known as endothermic reactions.
Balanced reaction: The reactions in which the number atoms of the molecule on both the sides (i.e. on reactant side and on the product side) are equal are known as balanced reactions.
The compound which is used in the joining process of railway tracks along with aluminium is iron$(III)$oxide. The reaction which is used to join the railway track is a thermite reaction.
Thermite reaction: The reaction between aluminium and iron$(III)$oxide to join railway tracks, is known as thermite reaction. Reaction is as follows:
\[2Al + F{e_2}{O_3} \to 2Fe + A{l_2}{O_3}\;\]. In this reaction a large amount of heat is produced which is used to join railway tracks.

Hence option B is correct .

Note:
$F{e_3}{O_4}$is known as ferrosoferric oxide. The colour of ferrosoferric oxide is black. It is also known as iron $(II,III)$oxide. When iron reacts with steam then this oxide known as ferrosoferric oxide is formed.