Question

How do fireworks work? 1 Look and write the words from the box. fuse gunpowder metal salts lithium 'metal salts sodium copp​

Answer 1

Fireworks work by a chemical reaction where an explosive mixture of gunpowder and other chemicals is ignited to create a colorful and bright display. The gunpowder mixture contains three main components: fuel, oxidizer, and a chemical binder.

When the firework is lit, heat from the burning fuse first ignites a small amount of gunpowder in the firework's tube. This initial explosion creates enough heat and pressure to activate the oxidizer, which then starts burning the fuel. The burning fuel produces gases that rapidly expand and force the firework's shell outward, releasing the colorful stars and other effects.

Different chemicals added to the firework mixture produce different colors and patterns in the sky. For example, the chemical strontium chloride creates a red color, while copper chloride produces a blue color. The effects can also be enhanced by adding special elements like aluminum, magnesium, and titanium for brighter colors and brighter bursts.

Timing and spacing of the charges in the shell, as well as the size of the shell and height of the burst, are all factors that can be adjusted to create different firework displays.

Answer 2

Fireworks work through a combination of several key components and chemical reactions. The words from the box you provided can be used to explain the process:

1. Gunpowder: Gunpowder, also known as black powder, is the main propellant used in fireworks. It is composed of sulfur, charcoal, and potassium nitrate (saltpeter). When ignited, gunpowder rapidly burns, creating gases and releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat and light.

2. Fuse: The fuse is the ignitable cord attached to a firework. It consists of a combustible material, such as a slow-burning rope or string, which is lit to initiate the firework's ignition process.

3. Metal Salts: Metal salts are compounds that contain metal ions. In fireworks, different metal salts are used to produce specific colors in the display. For example:

   • Lithium salts: Lithium compounds, like lithium carbonate or lithium chloride, are used to produce red colors.

   • Sodium salts: Sodium compounds, such as sodium nitrate or sodium chloride, can generate yellow colors.

   • Copper salts: Copper compounds, like copper chloride or copper carbonate, create blue or green hues, depending on the specific formulation.

By incorporating these metal salts into the firework's composition, their atoms are excited and emit characteristic wavelengths of light when heated by the explosion.

When a firework is ignited, the fuse burns and reaches the main compartment containing gunpowder. The heat and gases generated by the gunpowder cause an explosion, propelling the firework into the air. At the same time, the explosion ignites the metal salts present in the firework.

As the metal salts burn, their atoms absorb energy and enter an excited state. As they return to their stable state, they release the excess energy in the form of light, creating vibrant colors. The specific color produced depends on the metal salt used in the firework's composition.

Additionally, firework displays often include other components such as sparklers, which are coated with a mixture of metals and compounds to produce bright, sparkling effects. The combination of different chemical compositions and their controlled ignition creates the mesmerizing visual spectacles we associate with fireworks.