Fireworks work through a combination of chemical reactions and physics to create the beautiful displays we see in the sky. Here's a step-by-step explanation:
1. **Fuel**: Fireworks contain fuel components such as charcoal, sulfur, or other combustible materials. These fuels provide the energy needed for the firework to burn and produce light.
2. **Oxidizer**: An oxidizer, like potassium nitrate or potassium chlorate, is used to supply the oxygen needed for the chemical reaction to occur. This allows the fuel to burn rapidly.
3. **Colorants**: Different metal salts are added to produce various colors. For example, strontium salts produce red, barium salts produce green, and copper compounds create blue colors when they burn.
4. **Binders**: These components hold everything together in a compact form. Binders can be made of various materials like dextrin or gum arabic.
5. **Fuse**: The fuse is lit to start the reaction. It leads to the bursting charge inside the firework shell.
6. **Explosive charge**: This charge propels the firework into the sky and ignites the bursting charge.
7. **Bursting charge**: When the explosive charge ignites the bursting charge, it causes the firework to explode, scattering the burning fuel, oxidizer, and colorants. As they mix and burn, they produce the bright and colorful display that we see.
8. **Shapes and effects**: The design of the firework shell and the way the components are arranged determine the pattern and effects of the display. For example, shells can be shaped to explode in patterns like stars, hearts, or smiley faces.
In summary, fireworks work by combining fuel, oxidizer, colorants, binders, a fuse, explosive charge, and bursting charge in a carefully orchestrated chemical and physical process that results in the mesmerizing displays we enjoy during celebrations.
