The science behind fireworks - Earth.com

The science behind fireworks

04-07-2017

Today’s Video of the Day comes from the American Chemical Society’s Reactions series and features a look at the science behind fireworks.

The clip is hosted by John Conkling, Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Washington College and author of the book Chemistry of Pyrotechnics.

“Everything you see in a fireworks display is chemistry in action,” says Conkling. “The colors are all produced by very specific chemical mixtures that produce beautiful color flames. The sparks are small pieces of fuel that continue to burn in air. Without chemistry, you couldn’t have the burning mixtures, and without the burning mixtures, you wouldn’t have fireworks.

By Rory Arnold, Earth.com

Source: American Chemical Society

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