What is Inside a Firework, And How Do They Work?
The Composition of Fireworks And How They Explode
An In-depth Explanation
Like many things in chemistry, fireworks have many different variables that all serve a purpose in the chemical reaction taking place. Each different component is essential to the pretty display.
Charcoal |
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Flash (aluminum + potassium perchlorate) |
In fireworks, Charcoal, popularly known as black powder in the pyrotechnic industry, is used as fuel. In this situation, the fuel loses electrons to atoms in the oxidizing element, (therefore reducing the oxidizer).[5] It is this process in which bonds are formed between the charcoal and the oxygen atoms, making the product stable.
The balanced equation for this reaction is: 2C + O2 → 2CO |
Picture of Charcoal Powder
Picture of Flash Powder (aluminum + potassium perchlorate)
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Flash powder is a mix of an oxidizer and a metallic fuel which when burned creates a loud noise. Our flash powder is the oxidizing agent in our firework. What the oxidizing agent does is it produces the right amount of oxygen to let the elements inside the firework burn.[6] Oxidizers usually consist of nitrates, perchlorates, and chlorates.
The balanced equation for this reaction is: 3KClO4 + 8Al → 4Al2O3 + 3KCl |
Coloring AgentsFigure 1: Shows which color corresponds with what metal
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Picture of sulfur powder
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SulferIn many fireworks, sulfur is one of the most popular elements to use as a reducing agent. The reducing agent burns the oxygen created by the oxidizer and turns it into very hot gas.[7] In other words the sulfur will react with the oxygen to form sulfur dioxide.
The balanced equation for this reaction is S + O2 → SO2 |