The Science of Fireworks and the Fireworks of Science

Firecrackers have been around for hundreds of years, using gun powder that contains charcoal, sulfur, potassium nitrate, and sometimes aluminum. The light from sparklers is made from a combination of a binder (a sugar or starch), fuel (charcoal and sulfur), and an oxidizer (water helps to form a slurry). Aluminum, iron, steel, and magnesium metal dusts are burned to help to make the sparks shine brighter, while additional chemicals add the beautiful colors. When you put all of these chemicals together inside a set of fireworks you’ve laid the groundwork for a great light and sound show. But don’t forget that some incredible light and sound shows can start off with a slow and easy burn. You’ve seen it. A few lights here, a few bangs there, and it eventually grows to a crescendo – Voila!