Hans Goldschmidt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hans Goldschmidt
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| Born | 18 January 1861 |
| Died | 21 May 1923 (aged 62) |
| Nationality | German |
| Alma mater | University of Berlin |
| Awards | Elliott Cresson Medal (1904) |
| Scientific career | |
| Doctoral advisor | Robert Bunsen |
Johannes Wilhelm "Hans" Goldschmidt (born January 18, 1861 – died May 21, 1923) was a clever German chemist. He is most famous for discovering something called the Thermite reaction. This amazing chemical trick is still used today for important jobs like joining railway tracks. He also helped run his family's chemical company, which became a big part of a company called Evonik Industries.
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Who Was Hans Goldschmidt?
Hans Goldschmidt was born in Berlin, Germany, on January 18, 1861. He studied chemistry and was a student of a famous chemist named Robert Bunsen. Robert Bunsen is known for inventing the Bunsen burner, which you might use in your science class!
Hans's father, Theodor Goldschmidt, started a chemical company called Chemische Fabrik Th. Goldschmidt. Hans and his brother, Karl Hering, later took over running this company. It grew to become a big part of the modern company Degussa.
Discovering the Thermite Reaction
Hans Goldschmidt is best known for inventing the Thermite reaction. He also held the first patent for it. The Thermite reaction is a special chemical process. In this reaction, aluminium metal is mixed with an oxide of another metal, usually iron oxide (rust). When this mixture reacts, it creates a lot of heat.
Goldschmidt first wanted to use this reaction to make very pure metals. He wanted to avoid using carbon in the process of smelting (getting metal from its ore). But he soon realized that the huge amount of heat produced could be used for something else: welding! This process is sometimes called "thermic welding."
He patented his discovery in 1895. He also wrote a detailed paper about it in 1898. Because of his important work, the Thermite reaction is often called the "Goldschmidt reaction" or "Goldschmidt process."
What is Thermite Used For?
The Thermite reaction has several important uses:
- Welding railway tracks: This is one of its most common uses. The intense heat melts the metal, joining the tracks together smoothly.
- Metal refining: It can be used to make very pure metals.
- Disabling munitions: Thermite can be used to destroy old bombs or other military items safely.
- Incendiary devices: Because it creates so much heat, thermite can also be used in devices that start fires.
- Fireworks: Some mixtures similar to thermite are used to start the reactions in fireworks.
Hans Goldschmidt passed away on May 21, 1923. His grave is in a cemetery in Berlin-Kreuzberg, Germany.
See also
In Spanish: Johannes Wilhelm Goldschmidt para niños
- Thermite welding
