THE CHEMISTRY OF FIREWORKS

The color of a firework is determined by the element used in its "stars". When these elements lose energy after exploding, excess energy is emitted as light.

EXAMPLES

• Aluminum=white/silver and sparks.
• Barium=green/stabilizing
• Copper=blue
• Lithium carbonate=red

Oxidizers are used to help a firework burn as it flies into the sky. Because our atmosphere doesn't have enough oxygen, special chemicals like sodium chloride must be put into the firework.

Black powder is used to fill in the gaps between stars in a firework, as well as to spread the stars outward to make a pattern.

Fireworks are said to have been invented in the 6th century by a Chinese chef when he heated a bamboo rod that was stuffed full of explosive kitchen ingredients!

THE END