...physics of fireworks?

Answer by fireworks anna Li
Submitted on 11/9/2004
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hello jane, very glad to see you question.i recommend one essay to have a look: i have you can get what you want. Fireworks are usually made out of the following items; an oxidizing agent, a reducing agent, a coloring agent, binders and regulators. These this mixed together are what make up the basic fireworks. Oxidizers The first thing in a firework is the oxidizing agent. These produce the Oxygen to burn the mixture. Oxidizers are usually nitrates, chlorates or perchlorates. The common oxidizers are nitrates. These are made up of a metal ion and the nitrate ion. I'll use potassium nitrate as an example. Nitrates only give up 1/3 of their oxygen. The next Oxidizers are chlorates are also made up of a metal ion and then the chlorate ion. Chlorates give up all of their oxygen, causing a more spectacular reaction. Unfortunately this also makes the chemicals EXTREMELY explosive. Perchlorates have more oxygen in them, but are less likely to explode if you drop them than are chlorates. Again these are made up of a metal ion and then the perchlorate polyatomic ion. An example of a typical perclorate giving up its oxygen would look something like this, (graphic). Reducing Agents The second elements of fireworks are the reducing agents. The reducing agents burn the oxygen produced by the oxidizers to produce hot gasses. Two examples of reducing agents are Sulfur and Charcoal(carbon). These react with the oxygen to form respectively Sulfur Dioxide and Carbon Dioxide. Usually two reducing agents are combined. This results in speeding or slowing the reaction. Therefore, the reducing agents are used to control the speed of the reaction. Also, metals are often added to speed the reaction. The finer the powder the faster the reaction. This is because of one of the factors affecting reaction rates, concentration. If you set fire to wheat, it will burn slowly. If you set fire to wheat dust floating in the air, it will explode, this is shown when a grain elevator explodes. Also cornmeal is often used to slow down the reaction. These metals and the cornmeal are the regulators. Binders The fourth element of fireworks are the binders. Binders hold the mixture in a lump. This lump is a star. In order to form a star, two main elements are used. These two are dextrine dampened by water, or a shellac compound dampened by alcohol. These are rolled and then cut, or the mixture is forced into a paper tube, and pushed out with a dowel. Then the stars are cut as they come out.

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Question by Jane
Submitted on 11/15/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pyrotechnics FAQ
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what is the physics of fireworks?

Answer by bob migz
Submitted on 8/11/2005
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Physics of fireworks is the study of velocity,gravity and height of the fireworks during the explosion effect.

Answer by fdsa
Submitted on 1/5/2006
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yo momma

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