Writes about this The Conversation In honor of the New Year, thousands of fireworks will sound soon. However, few people know what they are and what generally happens during an explosion of pyrotechnics. The chemist and president of the International Guild of Pyrotechnics Paul E. Smith spoke about this. the chemist explains “alt =” What happens during the explosion of the fireworks: the chemist explains “What happens during the explosion of the fireworks: the chemist explains />
The very first component of the fireworks, the author writes, is explosive black powder. It was discovered by Chinese alchemists, more than a thousand years ago. At the same time, its composition has practically not changed by now. For this, 75% potassium nitrate, 15% charcoal, 10% sulfur are mixed.
As a result, after ignition, sulfur first melts at a temperature of 235 F (112.8 C). The sulfur then passes through potassium nitrate and charcoal, which start to burn. As a result, an explosion occurs.
In addition, special chemicals are also used to paint fireworks in different colors. These are strontium (gives red color), barium (green), copper (blue), etc. Also, aluminum, magnesium and titanium make it possible to obtain white sparks, iron – gold, various types of charcoal – red, orange.
Finally, there are various sound effects. It can be a crash, a whistle, an explosion. Special formulas are also used for this.
Source: The Conversation