Lighting or fireworks, which brings joy to our festivals, is quite complex and startling. Inside this little toy, there’s a great deal of science and art. Basically, a firework is a precise mixture of various chemical elements and explosives, which combine to create a fascinating exhibition of light, sound, and smoke. The design of each Firework and its inner elements determines its height, the type of explosion, the color, and the flash of light.
A common firework is mainly composed of four main components: fuel, oxidizer, color-producing chemicals, and a binder. These ingredients are mixed to form small ‘stars’ in certain proportions. Also, explosives like ‘lift charges’ and ‘burst charges’ are used to propel the firework into the sky and burst at specific times. A fuse ignites this whole process at a predetermined moment, making a firework go off with a bang.
At the center of the firework is ‘gunpowder’ or black powder, which is a mixture of potassium nitrate (saltpeter), charcoal, and sulfur. This is the initial fuel of the firework. When the fuse burns, this gunpowder ignites and produces a lot of gas and heat. This heat and gas pressure lift the firework into the sky like a rocket. At the same time, this fire ignites a delayed fuse, which gives the firework enough time to reach its highest height.
After reaching the specified height in the sky, the internal delayed fuse ignites the ‘burst charge’ (explosive powder) within the firework. The explosion of the burst charge bursts the main shell of the firework and spreads the small, colored ‘stars’ inside it. Each star contains a special chemical mixture, which produces a certain colored light during the combustion process. The stars are arranged in such a way that after they explode, they create various attractive designs in the sky, a signature of any spectacular firework.
The mystery of the color of light in a firework is hidden in metal salts. When these metal salts burn in intense heat, they emit specific wavelengths, which we see as different colors. For example, strontium carbonate produces red, barium chloride gives green, copper chloride produces blue, and sodium nitrate yellow. Magnesium or aluminum powder is used to create bright white light or sparkling effects, all contributing to the visual magic of a firework. These chemicals burn sharply in the presence of an oxidizer.
Additionally, other components are used to create various effects in the firework. For example, metallic powder (iron or aluminum) is added to make sparks. A mixture of saltpeter and sulfur produces white smoke. Some special chemicals are used to make whistling or hissing sounds that gradually emit gas, enhancing the auditory experience of a firework. A binder, such as dextrin (a type of starch), helps to form a star by combining all these chemical ingredients. All these elements and their proper proportions ensure a spectacular firework exhibition.
Conclusion:
In essence, a firework is a marvel of pyrotechnic engineering, a carefully orchestrated display born from a precise combination of fuel, oxidizers, colorants, and binders. From the initial lift charge propelling it skyward to the burst charge scattering its colorful stars, every element plays a crucial role in the creation of a firework. The dazzling array of colors, the thunderous booms, and the delicate crackles are all the result of specific chemical reactions – particularly the combustion of metal salts that emit distinct wavelengths of light. Understanding what’s inside a firework not only demystifies its spectacle but also highlights the fascinating interplay of chemistry and physics that brings such joy to our celebrations. It’s a testament to how scientific principles can be harnessed to create truly breathtaking artistry with a firework.