People of this modern world want to memorably celebrate every special moment of their lives. They try to make all possible arrangements to enjoy the function. Fireworks are one of those arrangements. People love lighting fireworks on special occasions to make them more special.
There are a variety of fireworks available, including sparklers, fountain fireworks, rockets etc. They are of many shapes, colours, and sizes. Their reactions right after burning also vary. People also prefer firework selection boxes to enjoy different kinds of fireworks. Fireworks in these boxes are a better choice for huge gatherings. As they are money-saving if purchased for a huge number of people. Moreover, they are enough to enjoy the whole event.
Fireworks usually spread different attractive colours while burning. These colours are due to the use of metal salts in manufacturing fireworks. These salts contain metal atoms that produce intense colours once they burn. Some other chemicals like potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur are also used for this purpose. Chlorine donors are also a source for the production and intensification of colours.
People are usually curious to know the process behind different colour production when fireworks burn. There is proper chemistry behind colour production in fireworks. Let’s have a look at this chemistry.
The Chemistry Of Fireworks
Following is the two basic mechanisms behind the colour production in fireworks.
Incandescence
It is the process in which light is emitted due to very high temperatures. The emission of colour is carried out in different stages in which colours change according to the increasing heat intensity. The colour changes from infrared to white by passing through many other colours, including red, orange and yellow. The temperature of fireworks is controllable according to the need by adding other components. For example, charcoal produces the desired colour by controlling the temperature. Some metals are also used to increase the temperature at certain times. These metals include titanium, magnesium and aluminium. They are responsible for colour changes in fireworks by controlling the temperature.
Luminescence
In this process, some substances emit light without being heated. Different electrons have different energy levels. This process occurs when a specific electron reaches its level and becomes excited by absorbing a specific amount of energy. While returning to the previous/ lower energy level, that electron releases the energy it absorbed. This released energy is in the form of a photon that seems like an attractive light. Burning metal salts like calcium chloride and sodium nitrate are the sources of colour production.
List Of Elements In Fireworks
Following are the elements present in fireworks that produce different colours of flame.
Aluminium
Aluminium is commonly used in sparklers. They are responsible for the production of silver and white coloured flames. The sparks due to aluminium are very attractive.
Antimony
Some fireworks create glittering effects while burning. These effects are due to antimony. People who love to make their bright function use these kinds of sparklers.
Barium
This element is useful in stabilizing highly volatile elements. It is also responsible for the production of green colour in fireworks.
Calcium
Calcium is the element to make colours highly intense. Calcium salt is responsible for producing orange flames in fireworks.
Carbon
Carbon is the main component that is used for the production of energy in firework. It is the main part of the substance, which is usually black. It is used as fuel for burning fireworks.
Zinc
When firework burn, there must be a smoke effect. The smoke may be light or very high. It is due to the presence of zinc.
Titanium
Titanium is a metal present in fireworks to create silver sparks.
Strontium
Like barium, strontium salts are also beneficial in stabilizing highly volatile compounds. The presence of strontium in firework is responsible for creating red flames.
Sulfur
Sulfur is the companion of carbon in the burning mixture of firework. It also plays the role of fuel, just like carbon.
Sodium
It is responsible for the golden and yellow colour while burning firework. The colour created by sodium is very intense. It works as a concealer of less bright colours.
Potassium
Potassium creates an oxidizing effect. It plays an important role in oxidizing the mixture of firework.
Chlorine
Chlorine is an important component of many metal salts. It is also an effective oxidizer.
Copper
Firework are not about white, silver, or golden colors. They are also present in different colours. Copper is responsible for creating blue colours in firework.
Iron
As discussed above, colour production also depends upon different heat ranges. Iron is responsible for creating sparks at https://arrowredstar.co.uk/product-category/fountains/.
Lithium
Lithium is a metal. As every metal is responsible for creating specific colours. Lithium usually creates red colour while burning firework.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays an important role in improving the overall performance of firework by creating brighter white flames.
Oxygen
Oxygen is the main component in any firework. It is an oxidizer that enables the burning process to occur. Many substances provide oxygen for the burning process. Sometimes, the substance that provides oxygen also provides colour effects.
Phosphorus
It is another important element of fuel for burning. It burns spontaneously in the air and creates a beautiful sight at night.
Different types of fireworks contain different elements that are mentioned above. Every element has its unique property.
Final Words
Although, firework of all types are beneficial in making our event memorable. Fountain firework have a different fan base. These firework are very enjoyable in wedding ceremonies, huge birthday parties, engagement ceremonies, anniversaries, and other functions where there is a huge gathering. Some local firework emit bad and dangerous smoke. Always try to go with companies providing quality fireworks. Firework with bad smoke can be very harmful to asthma patients. They can get severe breathing issues after inhaling the smoke. So, make sure to purchase smoke-free firework to eliminate major health issues.
