Science Of Fireworks: Trivia Facts Quiz

Explanation
Colors were added to fireworks around the 1830s when Italian chemists started adding trace amounts of metals and salts that burned at high temperatures. These salts created beautiful and exciting new colors, and other additives produced interesting effects, like calcium to deepen colors, titanium to make sparks, and zinc to create mysterious smoke clouds.

Explanation
To create blue, fireworks designers use copper chloride but that does not survive well in a hot flame, which makes the color more challenging to produce.

Explanation
Just like a candle, a firework needs fuel and oxygen in order to burn, but instead of getting the oxygen it needs from the air, chemicals called oxidisers are packed into the firework.

Explanation
Colors were added to fireworks around the 1830s, when Italian chemists started adding trace amounts of metals and salts that burned at high temperatures. These salts created beautiful and exciting new colors, and other additives produced interesting effects, like calcium to deepen colors, titanium to make sparks, and zinc to create mysterious smoke clouds.

Explanation
Colors were added to fireworks around the 1830s, when Italian chemists started adding trace amounts of metals and salts that burned at high temperatures. These salts created beautiful and exciting new colors, and other additives produced interesting effects, like calcium to deepen colors, titanium to make sparks, and zinc to create mysterious smoke clouds.

Explanation
Actually the flashy part of the firework is when it is cooling down. Good visual effects come from slower reactions producing a longer and brighter effect.

Explanation
This process invokes the first law of thermodynamics which states that energy can be transformed (changed from one form to another), but cannot be created or destroyed. Basically, energy from the fire is transferred to the atoms of the colorant chemicals exciting the electrons. As the electrons calm down the energy is converted into light.

Explanation
Most people do not realize that sparklers burn at about the same heat as a welding torch. Please use caution, especially with children to avoid burns and serious injuries.

Explanation
Sometimes called "cold light", luminescence can occur at room temperature or cooler. Energy is absorbed by an electron causing it to become excited but unstable. When the electron returns to a lower energy state the energy released is in the form of a photon (light).

Explanation
Safety Tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

Use fireworks outdoors only.

Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.

Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).

Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.

Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.

Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."

Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.

Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.