How Fireworks Get Vibrant Colours
Fireworks are best known for their dazzling colours that can light up the darkest of night skies. But how do these colourful displays come to life? To help you learn more about fireworks and how they get their vibrant colours, in this article, we’re going to talk about the following:
- The minerals and chemicals that create firework colours
- The challenges in achieving perfect firework colours
- Fun facts about fireworks
But before we cover the topics above in greater detail, let’s first take a look at the role of chemistry in firework colours.
The Role of Chemistry in Firework Colours
At the core of every quality fireworks display is chemistry. The rich, brilliant colours we see in fireworks are the result of specific chemicals being heated to high temperatures.
When these compounds combust, the energy released excites the atoms and molecules inside, causing them to emit light. The colour of the light depends on the specific chemical composition of the elements used in the firework.
Different metals and minerals produce different wavelengths of light when they are burned, creating the wide range of colours that make up a firework display. Understanding the science behind these reactions gives insight into how the spectacular visuals come together in the sky.
Minerals and Chemicals That Create Firework Colours
The various hues that light up the sky during a firework display come from a range of minerals and chemicals, each carefully chosen for the colour they produce when burned. Here’s a closer look at the most common colours and their sources:
Red Fireworks
To achieve a vibrant red colour, strontium salts are commonly used. Strontium carbonate or strontium nitrate burns with a rich, crimson hue, which is perfect for creating the fiery reds often seen in fireworks displays.
Blue Fireworks
Blue is one of the most challenging colours to create in fireworks. Copper compounds, like copper chloride or copper oxide, are used to produce blue, but the temperature and chemical conditions must be just right. Despite being a difficult colour to perfect, blue fireworks are highly prized for their cool and calming effect.
Green Fireworks
The green colours in fireworks are typically produced by barium compounds, such as barium nitrate or barium chloride. These chemicals burn with a bright, vivid green that’s commonly used in larger firework displays for contrast and balance.
Yellow Fireworks
To produce a cheerful yellow hue, sodium compounds are the go-to choice. Sodium nitrate or sodium chloride burns with a brilliant yellow light, which is often used in combination with other colours to add warmth to a firework display.
Orange Fireworks
Orange colours are typically produced using a combination of calcium salts, such as calcium chloride. These compounds produce a soft, warm orange that adds a pleasant glow to fireworks.
Purple Fireworks
For purple hues, fireworks manufacturers use a mix of strontium and copper compounds. Strontium provides the red colour, while copper provides the blue, and together they create a stunning purple. However, getting the perfect shade of purple can be tricky, as the right balance of chemicals must be achieved.
White Fireworks
White fireworks are made by burning metals such as magnesium, titanium, or aluminium. These elements burn brightly and create a sparkling white light that can add a shimmering effect to firework displays. Magnesium is particularly effective in producing intense white light.
Gold Fireworks
To create golden fireworks, firework manufacturers use a combination of metals, particularly iron and charcoal. The burning of iron creates a warm golden glow, while the charcoal helps to prolong the burn time, ensuring that the gold effect lasts longer in the sky.
The Challenges of Achieving Perfect Firework Colours
While the chemistry behind firework colours is fascinating, creating the perfect colours isn’t always easy. One of the biggest challenges is that some colours, like blue, are difficult to achieve consistently.
Copper compounds, which are used for blue, have a tendency to produce inconsistent colours depending on the conditions they are burned under, such as the temperature and the purity of the chemicals.
Temperature also plays a crucial role in determining the colour. For instance, strontium produces a deep red at high temperatures, but if the temperature is too low, the colour can appear dull or inconsistent.
The purity of the chemicals is equally important, as even small impurities can affect the outcome of the firework’s colour.
Fun Facts About Firework Colours
Fireworks have a rich history, and their vibrant colours have always been a source of fascination. Here are a few fun facts about the colours of fireworks:
Origins in Ancient China
The origins of fireworks date back to ancient China, where they were originally used to ward off evil spirits. Over time, the Chinese discovered that different metals could create different colours when burned, leading to the creation of early firework displays.
Blue’s Historical Challenge
Blue fireworks were once considered impossible to create due to the challenges of burning copper compounds. It wasn’t until the 20th century that chemists finally perfected the technique, allowing for the blue hues we see today.
Red and Green Domination
Red and green are two of the most commonly used colours in modern fireworks. Red is created with strontium, while green is produced with barium. Together, these colours provide a vibrant contrast that makes for an exciting firework display.
Final Thoughts
Fireworks have come a long way since their invention, and the science behind the colours we see today is both complex and fascinating.
The ability to produce a wide range of hues, from fiery reds to cool blues and sparkling golds, has made fireworks an essential part of celebrations around the world. So, the next time you watch a fireworks display, you can appreciate not just the beauty of the colours but the chemistry that makes them possible.
