Why do fireworks look spectacular? What type of chemical compounds undergo chemical reactions during this activity?

Fireworks produce spectacular visual effects due to the interaction of heat, light, and sound generated by chemical reactions. When a firework is ignited, the chemical compounds inside the firework undergo combustion reactions, releasing energy in the form of light (visible as different colors), heat, and sound.

The different colors in fireworks are due to the presence of various metal salts. The energy released during the combustion excites the metal atoms, causing them to emit light at specific wavelengths, which we perceive as colors. For example:

  • Strontium salts produce red

  • Copper compounds produce blue

  • Barium compounds produce green

  • Sodium compounds produce yellow

  • Calcium compounds produce orange

The chemical reactions involved in fireworks are typically oxidation reactions, where metal powders (such as aluminum or magnesium) react with oxidizing agents (like potassium nitrate) to release oxygen and produce heat, light, and gases. The reactions in fireworks are finely tuned to create the desired effects, from the colors to the patterns in the sky. These reactions also release energy in the form of sound waves, contributing to the noise that is characteristic of fireworks displays.

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