Happy Independence Day, America!
To celebrate the Fourth of July, here is some fun information about fireworks.
What are fireworks made of? In their simplest form, fireworks consist of black powder, or gun powder, wrapped in paper, with a fuse.
What are fireworks made of? In their simplest form, fireworks consist of black powder, or gun powder, wrapped in paper, with a fuse.
What makes the fireworks go up so high? The amount of black powder and the length of the “time fuse” fuse determines how high the shell will go and when it will explode. What makes the fireworks explode? When the firework reaches the desired height, the time fuses lights the bursting charge. This releases the fine metal powders of the stars in all directions based on the way the shell was packed and this charge lights the outside of the stars, which begin to burn with bright showers of sparks.
What makes the fireworks light up? The bright white light is given off by the chemical element, magnesium. This happens when the magnesium is suddenly exposed to oxygen which causes it to burn. Other elements can be used such as aluminum, titanium, zinc, or iron. The electrons in these metal particles become hot and excited, giving off light, called photons. Different metals give off different colors of light.
Why are fireworks so loud? There may also be chemicals that make crackles or whistles. After bursting, the display may last for about 5 seconds. The tremendous booms that you hear are made of the rapid release of energy into the air. This air expands faster than the speed of sound and produces a shock wave called a sonic boom. Flash powder makes the noise.
What makes the fireworks light up? The bright white light is given off by the chemical element, magnesium. This happens when the magnesium is suddenly exposed to oxygen which causes it to burn. Other elements can be used such as aluminum, titanium, zinc, or iron. The electrons in these metal particles become hot and excited, giving off light, called photons. Different metals give off different colors of light.
Why are fireworks so loud? There may also be chemicals that make crackles or whistles. After bursting, the display may last for about 5 seconds. The tremendous booms that you hear are made of the rapid release of energy into the air. This air expands faster than the speed of sound and produces a shock wave called a sonic boom. Flash powder makes the noise.
Who knew something so magical could so scientific?
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