The chemistry behind a firework explosion:
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The four main chemical ingredients needed to make a firework explode are;
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An Oxidizer- Provides enough oxygen to facilitate the burn.
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Fuel- Once combined with the oxidizer sets the stage for an explosion.
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Colorant- Pellets containing gun powder and colorant are packed into the body of the firework. These are the elements used to make each color;
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Green- Barium
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Orange- Calcium Salts
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Blue-Copper
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Red-Lithium, Strontium
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Bright White- Magnesium
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Gold- Sodium
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Binder- Used to hold the mixture of the firework together. The most common binder used in fireworks is dextrin.
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The Chemistry behind the patterns:
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The pattern you see in the sky comes down to the construction of the firework’s shell.
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For each pattern you see there is a specific arrangement within the body of the firework.
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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.