Fireworks
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
It is unclear exactly how the mixture of saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal was discovered to make what we know today as gunpowder. However we do know that flying fireworks have been around for centuries. It is also certain, based on the popularity of these explosives, that shooting fireworks is a really good time!
History
The discovery of gunpowder and subsequent invention of fireworks is generally credited to the Chinese. Some evidence suggests that war rockets were made in China, as early as the 6th Century, and that the practice then spread to Arabia in the 7th Century, where these rockets were known as 'Chinese arrows'.
A Chinese document dated around 1040, showed how to wrap gunpowder in paper to make a 'fire pill'. This small firecracker made a very loud bang, which was believed to scare off evil spirits. Almost any special event then became an occasion to use these noisemakers.
Fireworks made their way to Europe sometime in the 13th Century. While Crusaders most likely carried them back from the East, some believe gunpowder was discovered independently in Europe around this time. The popularity of fireworks grew, and by the early 1500s the military was lighting them for special events.
The Italians were the first Europeans to manufacture fireworks, and were the undisputed masters through the 17th Century. Throughout Europe, Italian fireworks were used in religious festivals, and other distinguished events, to celebrate these special occasions.
Over the course of time, fireworks have become a traditional way to memorialize distinguished as well as whimsical occasions across the planet. Events such as Bonfire Night in England, July 4th Independence celebrations in America, and New Years festivities throughout the world, are celebrated with fiery flowers and monumental reports1 in the sky.
How do they do that?
The creation of fireworks is an art form, which entertains millions of people throughout the world. There are many different types of fireworks, but they are all made in pretty much the same way. Compounds are placed in a shell, the whole thing is wrapped up, and a fuse is added. Voilà, you have a firework. In the factories where fireworks are made, safety precautions are in effect to ensure that a single static electric shock doesn't create a catastrophe2.
Pyrotechnicians3, design fireworks using different chemical compounds which create spectacular results4. Many supplies go into the creation of fireworks including fuses and ignition supplies, plastic bases, shells, and tubes, to name a few. Chemicals, from Acetone to Zinc Stearate, are used for special effects, as binding agents, solvents, catalysts, propellants, etc.
When rocket type fireworks are ignited, a gunpowder like substance explodes; creating gasses which shoot the firework into the air. Another charge is timed to take a certain amount of time to reach a certain altitude. Then another charge causes it to blow up, releasing fine metal powders into the air. The electrons, in these metal particles, become so hot and excited, they give off light, called photons.
Magnesium is the compound, which gives off the bright white light in fireworks. This happens when the magnesium is suddenly exposed to oxygen, to which it is very sensitive, and that exposure causes the compound to burn. Other metals, or transition elements, which have electrons, can also be used. When their particles get hot, they give off photons in the colored region, which is how the colors in fireworks are created.
Types of fireworks
The fireworks industry is heavily regulated, and with good reason5. There are two basic classes of fireworks, those, which are available to the general public, known as consumer fireworks, and those, which are for professional use, or display fireworks. Laws regarding the manufacturing, sales, purchase, and use of fireworks vary by country, state and/or local province/county/city. Generally speaking, the use of consumer fireworks require no special paperwork, while special licensing and permits are required for the purchase and use of display fireworks.
Rocket type7: These fly through the air when ignited. They sometimes carry parachutes, stars8, or big bangs9, when they reach the peak of their flight.
Roman candles: These long tubes shoot compact balls of chemicals from one end, creating a series of flaming stars. Inside the tubes, the chemical balls are packed one on top of the other, with layers of sawdust between them.
Fountains: These are cone shaped, and sit on the ground. A hole in the top allows gasses to escape; shooting colored sparks into the air.
Smoke bombs: Sometimes the smoke is colorful, but they smoke. That is all they do, so what more can one say about them?
Sparklers: These are long pieces of wire. Half of the length of the wire is covered in chemicals, and when lit give off bright sparkles of light. The sparks burn off at 1650 degrees Fahrenheit. Sparklers are credited with causing some of the most serious firework disasters.
Arial shells: These are the kings of fireworks. The most spectacular visually, and usually the loudest, these are the ones the professionals use. These are launched the same way mortar shells are launched. An external fuse is lit, before placing the shell into a skyward facing tube. The explosion of the lift carriage inside the tube then launches the shell.
Some of the different types of fireworks6:
Use of fireworks
Safety is very important, and can not be stressed enough, when using fireworks. Most precautions are obvious, but it is important to keep the not-so-obvious tips in mind as well.
Observe laws in your jurisdiction. Going to jail is not very safe.
Read the warning label on the firework.
Wear safety glasses 10.
Wear somewhat tight-fitting clothing. Loose clothing, long floppy sleeves and such will more easily catch fire.
Light fireworks in an open area, on a flat hard surface.
Keep a fire extinguishing device handy11 just in case.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages and use fireworks. This puts everyone involved in more danger.
Never use fireworks indoors.
Do not throw or light a firework near anyone, and make sure the firework is not pointing at any person/animal/thing12.
Only one or two people should be lighting fireworks, to avoid confusion13.
Light fireworks away from your body.
Step away from the firework as soon as it is lit.
Never place your head, hands, or any other part of your body above the firework.
Pets hate loud noises, and big flashes. So as not to traumatize them, keep them away from the fireworks.
Store your fireworks in a safe place, preferably not in a common room.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Only buy fireworks from a licensed dealer.
Have fun
Setting off fireworks, is a blast14, when memorializing festive occasions. Fireworks create a sense of wonder, excitement, and surprise. As long as you are careful, this can be good clean family fun… just don't go and blow yourself up!
