Chemistry Lights Up Fireworks

Get Inside the Science:

• Firework Chemistry
• Pyrotechnics Branch Chief Sparks Youth Interest in Fireworks and Pyrotechnics

Inside Science Buzzwords:

1. Pyrotechnics - The science of combining materials that produce chemical reactions resulting in  heat, light, gas, smoke and sometimes sound.
2. Firework - An explosive pyrotechnic device containing gunpowder and a combination of chemicals that explode when ignited for entertainment purposes. 

Inside Science Extra: What Gives Fireworks Their Colors?

White - Aluminum
Red - Strontium chloride
Orange - Calcium chloride
Green - Barium chloride
Blue - Copper chloride