Firework Chemistry

A firework is an incendiary device or material that can be used for signalling or entertainment. There are chemicals in the top of the firework that explode, which makes the colours seen. Fireworks, first originated in ancient China, with the first explosive being created from a mixture of black powder during the Sung dynasty. The firework was created by a combination of sulfur, saltpeter and charcoal. The Chinese found that the combination of these ingredients was very flammable and would blow up if its fuse is set alight. Fireworks were originally created for the purpose of entertainment and today they are still widely used in celebration to mark special occasions like independence day. The excitement produced by fireworks like , brightening the night sky and plunging it with vivid displays of colour and insignificant, which makes them a crowd pleaser. Behind all the excitement of fireworks, chemistry plays an important role in creating the vivid colours we witness lighting up the sky. The actual chemical reactions that take place in the explosions require the use of oxidisers, reducing agents and binders. The additions of varying metal chlorides add the colours. An oxidizing agent producing the oxygen required to burn the mixture. An agent e.g. Sulphur, that burn the oxygen and produce hot gases. Binders are required to hold the mixture in a lump. The ability of producing coloured light from the principles of fireworks have allowed this technology to be used for both industrial and military uses. Fireworks are now used for flares and smokescreens in our modern society. In Australia the non-authorised use of fireworks are banned due to the possibility of death or injury caused by stray rockets and uncontrollable explosions. Care is also needed because fireworks can damage your hearing and the fumes produced are toxic. The production of light in fireworks, rely on basic chemical principles such as redox reactions, combustion and the excitement of electrons in