The Chemistry of Fireworks

As students start back to class, many reminisce about summer and wish they were still enjoying summer vacation. As we remember the joys of summer, we may think back to the Fourth of July and the fireworks display in our hometown. Now that classes have begun, we should ponder the chemistry that creates the variety of beautiful colors of fireworks. This video from National Public Radio describes fireworks of different colors and the compounds necessary to produce them. For example, yellow fireworks are produced by the heating of Sodium chloride (NaCl). The electrons from this salt are excited and jump to a higher energy level. When the electrons fall back to a lower energy level, a yellow light is emitted. Green fireworks are produced by Barium chloride (BaCl₂), Copper (Cu) produces a blue color, and Strontium chloride (SrCl₂) is used to create red fireworks.

http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=106246277&m=106249181

Posted by Bethany Klett