The reaction Fe₂O₃ + 2Al → 2Fe + Al₂O₃ + heat, used to join railway tracks, is known as the

1. A highly reactive metal (Al) reduces the oxide of a less reactive metal (Fe). 2. This is the **thermit reaction**; it is so exothermic that the iron is produced molten and can weld cracked rails or machine parts. 3. Fe₂O₃ + 2Al → 2Fe(l) + Al₂O₃ + heat. _Source: Karnataka SSLC (KSEEB) Class 10 Science, Ch3 'Metals and Non-metals', §3.4.4_