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DANGEROUSLY Reactive

Short answer: Aluminum reacts vigorously with liquid bromine, often after a short delay while the metal's oxide layer is breached. The highly exothermic reaction produces sparks, flames and fumes of aluminum bromide.

Aluminum gives up electrons and bromine accepts them. The footage shows aluminum foil reacting in a dish of bromine.

VideoWrite-up2 sources
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What should you know about DANGEROUSLY Reactive?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. The reaction releases heat.

    DD-358-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Exothermic)

  2. It makes aluminum bromide.

    DD-358-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (Product)

Video transcript: DANGEROUSLY Reactive: Aluminum Dropped in Liquid Bromine Bursts Into Flame

Did you know? The reaction between liquid bromine and solid aluminum is highly exothermic and produces intense heat and bright flames. When aluminum comes into contact with bromine, it quickly oxidizes, breaking apart the bromine molecules. The reaction releases aluminum bromide as a product, which forms a white smoke. This interaction can be dangerously reactive, as bromine is a volatile, corrosive liquid that readily accepts electrons, while aluminum is a highly reactive metal with a strong tendency to donate electrons. NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 26.5s Reel ·

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DANGEROUSLY Reactive: Aluminum Dropped in Liquid Bromine Bursts Into Flame Instagram Reel · · 26.5s

The write-up

Aluminum dropped in liquid bromine bursts into flame. The violent reaction makes aluminum bromide.

  1. Exhibit A

    Exothermic

    The reaction releases heat.

  2. Exhibit B

    Product

    It makes aluminum bromide.

  3. Exhibit C

    Electrons

    Aluminum gives electrons to bromine.

  4. Exhibit D

    Delay

    An oxide layer slows the start.

  5. Exhibit E

    Hazard

    Bromine is corrosive.

Questions people ask about DANGEROUSLY Reactive

What is the product?

AlBr3.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Exothermic) · Wikipedia: Aluminium bromide

Is the reaction exothermic?

Heat and flame.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Product) · Wikipedia: Aluminium bromide

Which element gives electrons?

Metal.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Electrons) · Wikipedia: Aluminium bromide

What delays the reaction?

Surface film.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Delay) · Wikipedia: Aluminium bromide

What is bromine like?

Hazardous.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Hazard) · Wikipedia: Bromine

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. What is the product?

    1. Aluminum bromide
    2. Water
    3. Salt
    4. Rust
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Aluminum bromide AlBr3. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Exothermic) · Wikipedia: Aluminium bromide

  2. Is the reaction exothermic?

    1. Yes
    2. No
    3. Only cold
    4. Unknown
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Yes Heat and flame. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Product) · Wikipedia: Aluminium bromide

  3. Which element gives electrons?

    1. Aluminum
    2. Bromine
    3. Neither
    4. Both
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Aluminum Metal. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Electrons) · Wikipedia: Aluminium bromide

  4. What delays the reaction?

    1. An oxide layer
    2. Paint
    3. Water
    4. Light
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. An oxide layer Surface film. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Delay) · Wikipedia: Aluminium bromide

  5. What is bromine like?

    1. Volatile and corrosive
    2. Inert
    3. Solid
    4. Edible
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Volatile and corrosive Hazardous. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (Hazard) · Wikipedia: Bromine

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "DANGEROUSLY Reactive." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-358, last updated Nov 2, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/dangerously-reactive/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/dangerously-reactive/ · Last updated

Markdown version

Cite a single fact by its ID, for example DD-358-F01 → https://detailenjoyer.com/case/dangerously-reactive/#DD-358-F01