Acids can dissolve rust by breaking down the iron oxide compounds that form it. When applied to a rusty surface, the acidic ...

“Thermite devices are composed of metal shavings and iron oxide,” he explained. “Iron oxide is also known as rust. This is a very volatile mix that can burn as hot as 4000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The iron oxide is no longer a pure metal, it is a dull, dark-coloured, metal compound. When you burn magnesium in the air in the same way that the iron did, the magnesium reacts with oxygen to ...