The Chemistry Behind Firework Colors - Essay Example

Fireworks combine art and science. Discuss the chemistry behind firework colors, including the mechanisms of color production. Institution Course Date Introduction Background statement Fireworks comprise a chemical release of heat, loud noise and varied display of colors in the sky. In most cases, this event characterizes various significant events worldwide whereby most of them include celebrations like independence and New Year. Fireworks invention dates back 200 B.C as an accidental kitchen explosion of a bamboo piece put in the fire due to lack of appropriate fuel. Since, then to date this crude invention has led to extremely advanced developments that saw it used even as a warfare tool (gun powder) (Ochiai, 2011, p. 111). Consequently, this prompted Chinese up to date to refer firecracker as “Explosive Bamboo” (Ochiai, 2011, p. 111). Focus /Thesis statement This essay seeks to relay chemistry behind fireworks, their color production besides adverse effects on both humanity and environment. Outline of the essay The study also gives an overview of fireworks’ composition, mechanisms/equations during color production, adverse effects and how respective authorities ought to rectify them as necessitated. Discussion The production of basic firework entails one to have four chemical agents essential in the formation of the entire complex reaction. These reagents or requirements include reducing agents, oxidizers, binders, coloring agents and regulators whereby the latter undertakes the role of controlling heat (Ochiai, 2011). Binders in the production of fireworks ensure each reagent is in its place for various chemical reactions to take place as necessitated, hence produce the required color displays. Oxidizers in this reaction serve the purpose of availing the required oxygen essential for the combustion process (Ochiai, 2011). These oxidizing agents include nitrates, chlorates and perchlorates (Ochiai, 2011). However, their extent of releasing respective oxygen atoms varies greatly during the entire and complex reaction process. Key oxidation reactions resulting from these processes include, Nitrates oxidizing agents; XNO3 K2O + N2 + 2.5O2 Chlorates reaction, giving1/3 of their respective Oxygen (ThinkQuest, n.d); 2XClO3 2XCl + 3O2 Perchlorates usually release all their oxygen although less compared to Chlorates; XClO4 XCl + 2O2 NB//. In this case, “X” represents a metal ion whereby the most preferred one is potassium. Upon the release of O2 in the atmosphere, it encounters with S and C, which act as reducing agents producing their respective gaseous oxides as well as heat. Produced heat in this case increases explosive power of the entire combustion process. O2 (g) + S SO2 (g) Reduction equations O2 (g) + C CO2 (g) Color production during fireworks comprises of two mechanisms, which are Incandescence and Luminescence (Helmenstine, n.d). In the initial mechanism, it refers to a light produced by heat changing into varied colors based on different temperatures that increase with heating. Successive colors produced by this light include infrared, red, orange, yellow and finally white though under effective regulation one can attain his or her distinct color (Helmenstine, n.d). In addition, one can utilize selected metal elements to increase the brightness of a firework, for instance AL, Ti and Mg commonly known to burn brightly at high temperatures (Helmenstine, n.d). Conversely, Luminescence refers to a light produced by external sources mostly transferred using photons. Photon of a different element and wavelength usually induces a lesser material with heat before returning to its lower energy level. Mainly, these mechanisms take place in a canned structure as shown in Fig 1, hence exciting enclosed materials to launch a powerful explosion action. Figure 1: Basic Firework Design Color Compounds Wavelength Red LiCO3 (Red Color)& SrCO3(Bright Red Color) 652 Orange CaCl2 628 Blue Cu compounds and Cl producer like BaCl2 505-535 Purple Combination of both Sr (Red) and Cu (Blue color) compounds 420-460 Silver Heating of Ti, Mg and Al. Yellow Na Salts, for Instance, NaCl 610-621 Green Ba Compounds plus Cl Producer like BaCl2 Figure 2: Some of the Mostly used compounds and elements in producing varied Firework colors Despite fireworks globally preferred during celebrations for their fascinating features, studies cite they pose adverse effects to the environment (water). However, these effects are insignificant though on shallow waters studies speculate fireworks pose significant setbacks affecting both humanity and animals. Studies concerning Mission bay water cited some of the pollutants were due to debris and constituents resulting from firework explosions. Constituents in this case comprise mostly inorganic metallic substances like Al, Ba, Na, K, Fe, Cu, NO3-, SO4- and ClO4- commonly known to degrade water as well as its sediment quality. Conversely, debris released during firework explosion once deposited in shallow water compromise its quality, hence affecting aquatic life though this adverse effect does not have any scientific backing. Studies so far contacted have confirmed constituents deposited into the atmosphere during fireworks explosives pose severe health risks to humanity. This is especially worse among people experiencing asthmatic complications because they normally inhale toxic metals like Lead into their lungs (Science News, 2010). Hence, worsen their state such that they are unbearable in terms of management. Effects on healthy people is unknown but scientists after analyzing deposited obnoxious metal elements in the air concluded their inhalation still poses adverse effects on the entire population (Science News, 2010). This inference drew its support from varied constituents evident in the air especially in town due to excessive emissions by vehicles utilizing petroleum products (Science News, 2010). Therefore, researchers cited the more people are exposed to these obnoxious firework metal elements, they are likely to contract respiratory complications whereby sometimes may persist almost throughout their lives. Firework explosives despite preferred by many people due to their fascinating appearances that complement celebration occasions, they pose serious risks when handled inappropriately. Therefore, it is essential for the operators to have adequate expertise on how to launch them besides knowing their respective scientific safety guidelines (DCEP, 2008). This is to ensure they are not using them anyhow but strictly, when there are national and common events like those involving certain religious matters (DCEP, 2008). Therefore, the state has come up with outlined procedures for both the firework users and sellers. The aim of these policies is to minimize risks not only for those purchasing for their varied essential events but also for sellers especially when they are stocking the products. This is because in the latter case diverse explosives entail strict storing and handling specifications, hence compelling the government to intervene by way of issuing licenses to the dealers (DCEP, 2008). Conclusion Fireworks making requires incorporation of oxidizers, reducing agents, binders, coloring compounds and regulators. To achieve the required results, fireworks making utilizes either Incandescence or Luminescence mechanism, which vary greatly based on their respective sources of heat (Helmenstine, n.d). Despite preferred for their fascinating characteristics, fireworks pose serious risks to users and dealers. Since, their emissions and constituents are harmful not only to human health but also to the environment. Emitted gaseous when inhaled cause respiratory complications to the asthmatic people though the government has devised safety measures through issuing of licenses to the sellers. This study sought to relay scientific information behind fireworks’ making, their adverse effects on human and environment besides reviewing safety measures supposed to protect humanity. Prediction or recommendation Based on this information, fireworks in future will be among key environmental pollutants especially in urban regions during celebrations periods. References Coast Low Group,’ Summary of Substantial Evidence of Potentially Significant Water and Air Quality Impacts from Fireworks Displays in the City of San Diego. [Blog]. n.d. Available at: [Accessed 2nd August 2013]. DCEP. 2008. Western Australian Outdoor Fireworks code of practice. Department of consumer and employment protection - DCEP. pp. 1-76. Helmenstine, A. M. n.d. Chemistry of Firework Colors: Firework Color Production & List of Colorants. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 2nd September 2013]. Ochiai, E.-I. 2011. Chemicals for life and living. Heidelberg: Springer. Science News. 2010. Smoke from Fireworks Is Harmful to Health, Study Suggests. Science News, [online] (17Th November 2010). Available at: [Accessed on 2nd September 2013]. ThinkQuest. n.d The Chemistry of Fireworks.. [online] Available at: [Accessed 2nd September 2013]. Read More