The science of fireworks

Fireworks are one of the most popular signals of celebrations in the modern world. Whatever the occasion is, birthday, anniversary or public celebration, fireworks never ever fail to make an appearance. We see them and appreciate fireworks all the time however, is there anything we can learn about fireworks? other than they explode and produce beautiful patterns and colours on the night sky. There’s a lot to know about these extraordinary artworks which is why we will explore the history and the science behind fireworks.

What are fireworks and what is the history behind them?

Fireworks are decorative pyrotechnics, which are classified as ‘low explosive’ (despite the way that we think of them). Known for their bright colours and loud sounds They have become an integral part of our society with firework displays being frequent in some areas in the world.

They originated from China during the Song Dynasty, they were used the same way we do today, to mark important events. They typically took the form of bamboo stems that were explosive, which were thrown into the air.

At this point fireworks were restricted in their form and colours because of the materials available and the general knowledge of pyrotechnics. The 14th century saw chemicals were applied to early fireworks to be able to impart colour which were very beneficial to signal smoke for military use. Also, it was around the time when fireworks found their ways into Europe through the knowledge of recipes gathered by some Europeans from China during the time.

It was not that until 17th century when fireworks started to become well-known and, even then, the challenges of purchasing chemicals and materials meant it would be only in the 20th century when fireworks became easy to purchase in all varieties.

Types of fireworks

The most popular types of fireworks are:

Catherine Wheels

The name is derived from named after Saint Catherine of Alexandria, who was sentenced to death by an executioner’s wheel, and , upon touching it, that wheel exploded into pieces. Due to the way that fireworks explode into a whirlwind of rotating sparks and flames when ignited, this name seems very appropriate.

Smoke Bombs

Smoke Bombs are fireworks designed to produce smoke when ignited.

Firework Cakes/Barrages

These are fireworks that come with multiple tubes , and are accompanied by Roman Candles or aerial shells that are linked by a high-speed fuse. These produce long-lasting, explosive effects that are breathtaking.

Fountains

Possibly one of the most well-known fireworks, these are ground-based fireworks that explode into stars and sparks, accompanied by crackling and whistling sounds.

Roman Candles

A traditional firework that looks like a tube, which fires stars and other explosive shells into bright sparkling balls.

Rockets

Popular in the current generation These are typically made of rockets, that fire into the air at great speeds, typically resulting in a strong whooshing sound, leading to a large explosion.

How do fireworks work? – The science of fireworks

To give a firework its intended effect, it needs the occurrence of several chemical reactions that typically occur continuously over a brief period of time. By adding heat to the equation, it is the catalyst to trigger a chemical reaction which solid compounds in the firework start to ignite when they are exposed to gas oxygen. This converts into several other chemical compounds, and releases gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen , and carbon monoxide.

You may want to know how the colours are created that are present in fireworks. Well, once again the magic of science will be able to explain this for us. The colors in fireworks originate from different metal compounds which are found in the fireworks. When they burn, they emit different colors based on the compound.

Some early chinese recipes to produce different colours are Calcium compounds to create an red hue, Lead carbonate for a Lilac hue, Copper Acetate for green, Mercurous Chloride for white and arsenical sulfuride for yellow hues.

Since then, we’ve come up with new ways to achieve these colors, which include: Strontium salts for red and calcium salts for orange, Sodium salts for yellow, Barium salts to green, copper salts for blue copper and Strontium compounds for purple, white hot Magnesium and aluminum for silver and burning metals like Magnesium to white.

The reason they are able to fly in the air at very high speeds is due to the hot gas that is released when igniting the firework. This rapid release this gas creates a significant pressure that pushes the fireworks in the opposite direction to the hot gas being emitted.

A new era for fireworks

Due to the increasing popularity in fireworks and their usage in the present day has led to innovative methods of lighting displays be introduced as competition.

As seen in Shanghai’s 2021 New Year celebrations, it seems we are entering the new age of drone technology is becoming an adversary to fireworks performing celebrations.

However, drones can’t have the ability to capture the natural beauty that fireworks provide. Although they’re lovely but it’s the burning and the variety of colors that makes the science behind fireworks incomparable. Because of this, there is no doubt that fireworks will continue to be commonplace in the world’s societies.