Thermite Reaction

30 minutes later, the two teams returned to the presentation stage to hear the results of the discussion, did they get a chance or would it all fail.

"Alright, we made a deal, that is, you won't get a chance to make a presentation," said Ms. Yosi firmly.

Everyone was surprised by the results of the agreement that did not match what was expected. Alisya still put on a calm face followed by the pull of the lips of Adith, who was half smiling hearing that. While Miska looked upset and Zein, could not take his eyes off Alisya's face.

"But we will give you an examination of the extent to which you master your material to see if this is coincidence or if there is a conspiracy in it." Add Mr. Amir in a cold tone.

"We hope you don't disappoint us," Affandi said softly.

Miska's face instantly turned into excitement and gave a smile that looked cynical with a sharp gaze towards Alisya, who prefers to throw away the face of not seeing both.

"I'll start from Team Zein, what chose you guys to take on this theme?" Ms. Yosi started the test with a simple question.

"As you all know, the theme of our presentation is the Thermite Reaction. This reaction is commonly used as welding metals with iron oxide and Aluminum powder which can produce high enough heat." Miska answered smoothly and loudly.

"Besides this thermite reaction, our plan will be simulated as an example of welding that is usually carried out daily by workshop workers, building and furniture fences, and also the recent eruption of the eruption of Mount Merapi." Add a steady Zein.

Pak Amir and three other judges thought that the presentation material they submitted was quite interesting, so he seemed to nod his head, a sign of agreement. Considering this era is an era where everything has been related to the machine and the creation of goods that use iron, metal, and aluminum have carried out the Thermite reaction process as a basic step that many people know as just an ordinary welding process.

"What about your team Adith? What chose you to take the same theme?" Asked Mr. Amir coldly.

"We take the same working principle on the Thermite reaction as you have heard before. But our point of discussion is more directed to the Termit reaction which can produce quite a high explosive power." Alisya answered calmly and smoothly at Adith to continue.

"The reaction of Thermite if ignited will produce heat with a scale of more than 3000 degrees Celsius. And the temperature exceeds the boiling point and melting point of iron or concrete. Which, if reacted with water, will produce a phreatic explosion as happened in volcanic eruptions. This very similar to the type of bomb that exploded in the Indonesian government building that just happened last month. The investigation said that the explosion detected a thermite reaction. " Said Adith added skillfully and looked like a pro in making presentations.

"No wonder that at this age, he already holds the family business! He is indeed extraordinary." Inner Alisya was amazed by Adith's ability.

Hearing the answers from the two teams that were far different, Mr. Amir began to improve his sitting position to move forward, indicating that he was interested and curious about what could be offered by the next two teams.

All participants were also amazed by the technique of providing answers from both teams, so they enthusiastically paid attention seriously to what would happen next in this competition.

Hearing the competition in this percentage, the school principal and school officials were not left behind to witness this rare event, moreover involving two phenomenal figures from the highest elite members in the school.

"Back to your team, Zein. Can you explain more about the thermite reaction in the welding or volcanic eruption?" Affandi asked.

"In welding oxidation and aluminum combustion will be carried out with a high enough temperature, so that it can melt the metal which can then be used as a very strong connection to iron or other metals. However, this reaction is quite dangerous and produces quite blinding rays, so it needs special handling. when doing welding activities. " Miska shows the welding procedure directly and seems to be an expert at doing it. The equipment seems ready to support the answer.

"Likewise in the volcanic eruption process, all the material contained in an active volcano has the same type to produce the Thermite reaction, and the explosion that occurs during the eruption is due to the presence of water from the volcano that reacts to the Thermite reaction called the explosion of freaks like what just happened in the volcanic eruption on Mount Sumeru. " Zein also displays a direct simulation of how the volcanic eruption process due to thermite reactions and of course with a fairly safe distance and the use of the right material, so it is not dangerous.

Mr. Affandi was very impressed by the way they performed the simulation of Thermite reaction and the ability for him to be carried out by someone who was quite professional in his field.

Miska showed a contented view that they were superior in bringing their answers to the questions of the judges. The participants and other spectators also gave a standing ovation to the results of the presentation made by Zein and Miska.

"For both of you!" Pak Amir pointed at Adith and Alisya. "How can you say that the bomb used a thermite reaction?" Challenged Mr. Amir, still cold.

"Before I explain more about Bombs with the Thermite reaction, you need to know that Indonesian government buildings have pillars of support with a building frame 4 times thicker than ordinary buildings, so they are called super pillars because of their strength. And not just any ordinary bomb can destroy it "It's visible from the ruins of the building when I was doing research there." Said Alisya showing pictures of the ruins of Indonesian Government buildings.

"Does that mean the bomb that was detonated wasn't a normal bomb?" Pak Amir could not bear to ask again seeing Alisya's analytical skills defeated police research experts.

"As I explained earlier, it was due to the Thermite reaction which melted iron or concrete in the building. When the explosion occurred, water from the sprinklers came out and caused a phreatic explosion similar to that of a volcanic eruption, so the pillar was unable to support the load from the building, and finally, the building collapsed. This substance is easier to obtain than gunpowder and is usually sold in this area.

"Judging from the estimated location, based on the evidence left behind, the purchase of the material revolves around this area considering the CCTV recorded perpetrators only walk and do not use public transportation to avoid tracking identity." Add Alisya before ending the presentation.

Pak Amir was speechless and transfixed by the answers given both. Not only did they succeed in doing a very good percentage, but they have also even been able to help the police with their fairly accurate analysis. This made a high-ranking official secretly contact the police immediately after Adith, starting his analysis to check the truth.

The three judges and all the people inside the building were still silent, not knowing what to say. They are still stunned and digest how two high school kids can analyze and solve a problem that even the police have not solved.

A high official came down to the stage and greeted Adith and Alisya in a loud voice.

"Thanks to you two, we have succeeded in capturing the bombers and detecting the location of the next bomb! For that, you will be rewarded as well as this school." He said while greeting Adith and Alisya.

Hearing that, everyone immediately shouted with a roar and clapped loudly. The atmosphere was suddenly noisier than before, making Alisya's silencer not function properly. she immediately asked permission to get off the stage after paying his respects to the higher-ups.

Seeing Alisya's reaction, Adith immediately chased after her while the higher-up returned to his original position and chatted with the principal. Adith and Alisya left all the crowd who felt strange because the star of the event suddenly disappeared. The same goes for the judges who see each other.