Fireworks
What is a firework
Parts of a firework
Stick
Fuse
Charge
Effect
Head
Ensures firework flies in a straight line
Starts the main part of the firework burning
Ignites other, smaller sparks that make the unique part of the fireworks explode later
A firework is a missile designed to explode in a controlled way
Usually lit by either a match or lighter, made of paper
Made to ensure that fireworks do not cause any damage/fire
Top part of the firework that consists of the explosives or the payloads
In the shape of a cone to ensure aerodynamics
Relatively crude explosive
Made out of tightly packed gunpowder
15 percent charcoal
10 percent sulfur
75 percent potassium
Modern fireworks use other mixtures
Sulfur less power with KNO3
Part of firework that creates the display once in the sky
One or more effects packed into separate compartments
firing off in sequence
Ignited by the main fuse
Can either create a sequence of explosions called stars
Or shoot mini explosions all over the place
Many fireworks simply have a blunt end
Leads the firework to fire in a straight line
Chemical Reactions
Combustion propels firework into the air
Oxidization excites the metal compounds
Oxidizing agents include
Potassium Nitrates and Charcoal and Sulfur Combine
This causes combustion
Heat and gas forced out of bottom
This causes the firework to go up
Firework Differences
Store Bought Fireworks
Professional Fireworks
Usually made out of cardboard or paper
Usually launched via flames
Used via other oxidizers such as oxygen
Pros and Cons of Using Fireworks
Cons
Pros
Very beautiful visuals
Looks very nice
Can release dangerous chemicals in sky leading to
Acid Rain
Global Dimming
Can cause serious burns and death
NFL player Jason Pierre Paul lost fingers in a firework related explosion
Firework precaution
There are regulations
Canada Safety Council
To ensure that compounds are not harmful, fireworks need to be approved by the government
How can we decrease the impact of fireworks on environment?
Buy fireworks without harmful compounds
Buy from a reliable source (if it is reliable there are no harmful compounds
Disposed of safely and properly (KNO3 can ignite if near heat source)
Use smaller fireworks/carbon neutral fireworks to minimize air pollution
A representative chemical equation of the process in the chemical equation
6 KNO3 + C7H4O + 2 S → K2CO3 + K2SO4 + K2S + 4 CO2 + 2 CO + 2 H2O + 3 N
Alternatives to equation is a carbon neutral firework
This firework eliminates the use of black gunpowder, which carbon a part of