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The chemistry behind a firework explosion:

• The four main chemical ingredients needed to make a firework explode are;

  • An Oxidizer- Provides enough oxygen to facilitate the burn.

  • Fuel- Once combined with the oxidizer sets the stage for an explosion.

  • Colorant- Pellets containing gun powder and colorant are packed into the body of the firework. These are the elements used to make each color;

    • Green- Barium

    • Orange- Calcium Salts

    • Blue-Copper

    • Red-Lithium, Strontium

    • Bright White- Magnesium

    • Gold- Sodium

  • Binder- Used to hold the mixture of the firework together. The most common binder used in fireworks is dextrin.

The Chemistry behind the patterns:

• The pattern you see in the sky comes down to the construction of the firework’s shell.

• For each pattern you see there is a specific arrangement within the body of the firework.

• It comes down to the construction of the aerial shells inside of the firework. If you form a heart pattern it will explode into the sky in that shape.

As you enjoy the lights in the sky this 4^th of July remember how much science is behind making those spectacular explosions!

HAPPY 4^TH OF JULY

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