Chemistry of Fireworks
Chemistry of Fireworks
By Anuradha Sahu
Everyone enjoys the amazing firework shows on the Fourth of July with the beautiful vibrant colors and sparks every year. Fireworks have been part of this world for a very long time. They have been used for enjoyment and for signalling purposes. Every culture has their own significance and use of fireworks. But all fireworks have something in common; the chemistry that makes them work. No matter where you find them, they are made up of the same compounds and are made the same way. There are ma
The first use of chemical energy was in Greece, “Greek Fire” which was first reported in the 7th century A.D. It was a blend of sulfur, organic fuels, and saltpeter that generated flames and dense fumes when ignited. Around 1000 AD a scientist recognized the unique properties of another blend of chemicals called the black powder, consisting of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal; which became the first "modern" high-energy composition of black powder. The Chinese were also involved in pyrotechnics, developing rockets by 10th century and using fireworks in 1200 AD. Chinese firecrackers became a popular item in the United States when trade begun in the 1800's, and still remain popular in the United States today, accounting for well over half of the annual sales of fireworks in this country. In the 1780's Berthelot discovered that potassium chlorate had the ability to produce brilliant flame colors using pyrotechnic compositions, and color was added to the effects of the sparks, noise, and motion previously available using potassium nitrate-based compositions. Chlorate based color-producing formulas were used in the 1830's in some pyrotechnicians' arsenals.
Fireworks are a lot of fun to watch, but can be very dangerous if not handled carefully. So to ensure safety different categories of fireworks are accessible only in certain places. The four categories of fireworks are grouped based on their gunpowder content, weight, size
By Anuradha Sahu
Everyone enjoys the amazing firework shows on the Fourth of July with the beautiful vibrant colors and sparks every year. Fireworks have been part of this world for a very long time. They have been used for enjoyment and for signalling purposes. Every culture has their own significance and use of fireworks. But all fireworks have something in common; the chemistry that makes them work. No matter where you find them, they are made up of the same compounds and are made the same way. There are ma
The first use of chemical energy was in Greece, “Greek Fire” which was first reported in the 7th century A.D. It was a blend of sulfur, organic fuels, and saltpeter that generated flames and dense fumes when ignited. Around 1000 AD a scientist recognized the unique properties of another blend of chemicals called the black powder, consisting of potassium nitrate, sulfur, and charcoal; which became the first "modern" high-energy composition of black powder. The Chinese were also involved in pyrotechnics, developing rockets by 10th century and using fireworks in 1200 AD. Chinese firecrackers became a popular item in the United States when trade begun in the 1800's, and still remain popular in the United States today, accounting for well over half of the annual sales of fireworks in this country. In the 1780's Berthelot discovered that potassium chlorate had the ability to produce brilliant flame colors using pyrotechnic compositions, and color was added to the effects of the sparks, noise, and motion previously available using potassium nitrate-based compositions. Chlorate based color-producing formulas were used in the 1830's in some pyrotechnicians' arsenals.
Fireworks are a lot of fun to watch, but can be very dangerous if not handled carefully. So to ensure safety different categories of fireworks are accessible only in certain places. The four categories of fireworks are grouped based on their gunpowder content, weight, size