Fireworks play a big part in many celebrations and even have their very own night of the year dedicated to them. Despite the celebrations, have you ever stopped to think about what goes into making these amazing, exploding colours in the sky? With a range of fireworks for sale in the UK being used at many different events, it is worth knowing about the kinds of chemicals that make these explosions that we all enjoy so much and the science behind them.
Chemicals in fireworks
Traditionally, there are three main types of chemicals used in fireworks, potassium nitrate, carbon, and sulfur, which combine to make gunpowder. This creates the explosion that we are familiar with. When the firework is lit, the gunpowder is ignited through this heat, which then shoots off into the air to explode. Fireworks are made up of several small pellets of black powder called stars. The black powder explodes when near a flame. These stars contain chemicals or metals which are used to create the number of different colours we love to see in our displays.
Chemicals for colour
Whether it’s at a large-scale firework display for New Year or something a little smaller at an event such as a wedding or celebration, when we think of fireworks, we think of bright, glittering colours in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Various chemicals are used to achieve our favourite colours. As previously mentioned, fireworks are filled with black stars and different metals are added into this black powder which creates a coloured flame and calcium is used to deepen the colours.
If you see a green flame in a firework, this means there is Barium in the firework. If you see a blue explosion, this means there is a presence of copper, and an orange flame indicates there is calcium in the firework. Fireworks are a chemical reaction, if the gunpowder is included for the firework to explode, other chemicals can be added for impressive colour displays.
Adding brilliance
When we think of fireworks, we think of bright, dazzling explosions in the sky. Aluminium and antimony are used to help create this stunning view. Aluminium is used in fireworks to produce silver and white sparks, adding bright white light to the firework when it explodes, it is also used in handheld sparklers. Antimony is used to create the glittering effect we love so much.
Fireworks and Their Sound
With fireworks come loud noises. The rapid release of energy from the firework makes the air around it expand faster than the speed of sound, creating a sonic boom! After a firework has exploded, you may notice the smoke trailing the sky. This is caused by using zinc in the firework. Zinc is also used to create smoke effects in other devices.
Fireworks are exciting and spectacular to look at, next time you see an amazing display filled with colours and light, think about the science taking place in each firework.
