Fireworks may look like magic, but they are actually made through science, especially in the fields concerning chemical engineering. Fireworks is the highlight of many holidays and celebrations such as Independence Day, Chinese New Year, etc. Though they are older than you thought-it was believed that they were invented in China over thousands of years ago.

There are various types of fireworks with several different chemical reactions. The few that I’ll mention are rocket, mine, cake, fountain and Roman Candle fireworks, these types of fireworks function differently and the light, sounds, and the size of the explosions they emit varies. Rocket fireworks are one of the most common known type of firework which launches to the air (can reach about 30-60 meters) before exploding with a loud bang.

Here’s how to set off a firework: first the user lights the fuse, which then the heat travels along the fuse until it reaches the bottom of the firework, which is called the shell. Located at the bottom of the shell, the lift charge is ignited by using black powder (made from gunpowder). After it is ignited, this is where chemical reactions take part, black powder goes through a reaction to create hot gases and mass amounts of energy. During the process, this forces the shell to launch out of the tube, also known as the mortar. Small pellets, also known as stars, starts to fill up the shell. As the firework reaches a certain height, a timed fuse ignites and activates the burst charge. This reaction sets off the stars within the fireworks to explode into a dazzling display of sounds, colors and lights that’ll amaze you and lift your spirits.

Although they are beautiful, they can be harmful for you and the environment. When fireworks are set off into the atmosphere, they start polluting the atmosphere, which isn’t really the most green choice of entertainment. Fireworks could also cause blindness and eye injuries. Setting off fireworks can be dangerous as well, as they could cause burns to the hands and face and can make someone lose a finger or two if it goes off the wrong way.

Sparklers, a type of firework, glows because they are undergoing combustion. During combustion, metallic particles are burning and oxygen is creating metal oxides. The sparklers produce an intense glow, but more oxygen is needed in order to produce light that intense.

Related Stories:

https://wonderopolis.org/wonder/how-are-fireworks-made

https://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/everyday-innovations/fireworks.htm

https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/science-at-home/diy-science-fun/the-science-of-fireworks

https://www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/technology-you-asked-general-science/how-do-sparklers-work#:~:text=They%20glow%20because%20they%20are,available%20from%20the%20surrounding%20air.

http://www.madehow.com/Volume-2/Fireworks.html

Take Action:

•  https://www.fairfaxva.gov/government/parks-recreation/special-events/independence-day-celebration/evening-show-fireworks
• https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=fireworks&find_loc=Falls+Church%2C+VA