How Fireworks Work

Festivals are not complete without fireworks; it is fun to watch tiny fireworks being set off, resulting in a huge spark show across the sky. People stand in awe watching these little rockets in awe while they go up in the sky and produce wonderful colours to amuse people. Little do they know that the concept behind these cheap fireworks all comes down to basic scientific concepts – chemistry to be precise.

The chemistry behind fireworks

 It is necessary for people to understand the basics of chemistry to follow the working principle of fireworks. The basic structure of an atom is where we start – atoms are the basic building blocks of material, though they can be broken down into smaller particles. The atom is the most stable basic entity and has a central nucleus. All around the nucleus are smaller particles called electrons that have a negative charge. The nucleus consists of protons which are positively charged – this means that the electrons and protons cancel each other out resulting in a neutral atom. 

Now, these electrons around the nucleus are not spread across randomly – they have specific ways of arrangement depending on the size of the atom. The way in which electrons are arranged is called the electronic configuration. Different materials have different sized atoms – for instance, a boron atom is bigger than a hydrogen atom. Like the planetary arrangement, the atom has different orbits and these have a specific capacity of electrons; for example, the first orbital can hold only two electrons. The attraction of these electrons to the nucleus is higher because of their proximity to the nucleus. Typically, the electrons in orbits which are situated away from the nucleus have lower degrees of attraction – this is where the concept of fireworks comes in. With a small energy input, the electrons in the outermost orbits can be easily thrown out. When an electron changes its orbit or when it is dispelled, it creates a wave of light.

Working principle of fireworks

The colour of the light is different for different elements. For instance, sodium produces orange light while barium atoms release light green light. This concept is being harnessed into indoor fireworks and outdoor fireworks to give spectacular light shows.

Whether it is sparklers that you’re holding in your hands or amazing wedding fireworks that you’re witnessing, it’s all the same concept.

The next time you light Roman Candles or other Christmas Crackers, you’ll know that the electrons are going to do a light dance for you.