The Flames and the Hope

In junior high school, my classmate Chang Liu and I captured a series of photographs documenting an aluminum thermite chemical experiment. This experiment involves a highly exothermic reaction between aluminum powder and iron oxide, resulting in molten iron and aluminum oxide. The photos showcase the brilliant sparks and intense heat of the reaction, highlighting the dramatic visual effects of chemical processes.

This series, titled "The Flames and the Hope," aims to convey the mesmerizing aspects of chemistry that often go unnoticed, celebrating the intricate and powerful transformations that occur during chemical reactions. Looking at these photos, I recall a vague hope that arose like a flicker of warmth amidst the frost of my childhood. Through these images, we hope to inspire others to appreciate the scientific and aesthetic dimensions of chemistry, as well as the subtle moments of inspiration and wonder that science can evoke during the miserable life.