Fireworks Essay

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FIREWORKS There is a lot of physics and chemistry involved in making fireworks. Their colors come from the different temperatures of hot, glowing metals and from the light emitted by burning chemical compounds. Chemical reactions propel them and burst them into special shapes. Here's an element-by-element look at what is involved in your average firework: Aluminum - Aluminum is used to produce silver and white flames and sparks. It is a common component of sparklers. Antimony - Antimony is used to create firework glitter effects. Barium - Barium is used to create green colors in fireworks, and it can also help stabilize other volatile elements. Calcium - Calcium is used to deepen firework colors. Calcium salts produce orange fireworks. Carbon - Carbon is one of the main components of black powder, which is used as a propellent in fireworks. Carbon provides the fuel for a firework. Common forms include carbon black, sugar, or starch. Chlorine - Chlorine is an important component of many oxidizers in fireworks. Several of the metal salts that produce colors contain chlorine. Copper - Copper compounds produce blue colors in fireworks. Iron - Iron is used to produce sparks. The heat of the metal determines the color of the sparks. Lithium - Lithium is a metal that is used to impart a red color to fireworks. Lithium carbonate, in particular, is a common colorant. Magnesium - Magnesium burns a very bright white, so it is used to add white sparks or improve the overall brilliance of a firework. Oxygen - Fireworks include oxidizers, which are substances that produce oxygen in order for burning to occur. The oxidizers are usually nitrates, chlorates, or perchlorates. Sometimes the same substance is used to provide oxygen and color. Phosphorus - Phosphorus burns spontaneously in air and is also responsible for some glow-in-the-dark effects.

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