Chemistry of Fireworks Fireworks rely on chemistry in terms of their principles of combustion, reduction and oxidation reactions, and the excitement of electrons. Fireworks have been popular for an immensely long time. Fireworks were invented in the 12th century by the chinese. A alchemist accidentally discovered black powder by mixing sulfur, potassium nitrate, and charcoal (form of carbon). He soon realized that this combination of elements was extremely flammable and explosive. Black powder was then later placed inside a bamboo stick which was then launched in the sky and was a sign of the first of many fireworks to come. Fireworks were originally very popular soon after it was discovered, they were used for celebrations as they are …show more content…
From doing this paper I have learned the process that every firework must go through in order for it to glow in the sky. I learned that the excitement of electrons and thereafter release of energy creates the light in the stars launched into the sky. There are three different classes of fireworks, sparklers, firecrackers, and aerial shells. The amount of energy emitted is specific to the element or salt sent into the sky, and the amount of energy determines the color of the light emitted. Gunpowder is used to propel the firework into the sky because it creates a decomposition reaction that produces a greater amount of pressure. The loud sound that comes with the fireworks is because rapid release of energy into the air, causing the air to expand faster than the speed of sound, creating a shock wave. There are many elements used to create the glitter effects in fireworks, like Antimony. Gunpowder is composed of three different compounds, sulfur, potassium nitrate (saltpeter) and charcoal. Every firework needs its fuel, oxidizing agent that produces oxygen, reducing agent that burns oxygen to produce energy, colorants for the stars in the shell, and binders to keep the salts in a contained sphere like