PRESENTATION OUTLINE
What exactly is a firework?
A firework is essentially an exploding missile which presents controlled bangs and bursts of brightly displayed colours.
Where and when we're the first fireworks invented?
Fireworks have been around for centuries and are believed to have come from Chinese traditions - first been made to scare of evil spirits in the 7th century.
Who were the first Europeans to master fireworks?
The first Europeans to successfully master the firework art are believed to be the Italians - around the 18th century.
What type of simple chemical reaction occurs in fireworks?
The sights and sounds are the result of a mixture of chemical reactions - oxidation and reductions - oxidisers produce the oxygen required to burn the mixture.
What are the components of black powder? What are the ratios of these components?
The components in Black powder consist of potassium nitrate, charcoal and sulphur. The ratios of these components are 75% potassium nitrate, 15% charcoal and 10% sulphur.
WHAT 3 PROCESSES CAUSE FIREWORKS TO EMIT LIGHT?
- The three processes that emit light are incandescence, Atomic emission and molecular emission.
What types of elements are responsible for the colours of fireworks?
The elements responsible for the colours in the fireworks are metallic compounds.
What is responsible for the whistling sound that often accompanies fireworks?
The sound it is created by the slats within the firework composition. When potassium benzoate and oxidiser burns a layer at a time it emits gases producing spurts creating a whistle effect.