Fireworks

Infobox on Fireworks
Example of Fireworks
Facts
Origin	-
Stowage factor (in m3/t)	-
Humidity / moisture	-
Ventilation	-
Risk factors	See text

Fireworks

Description

Fireworks are a class of explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and culture, and religious purposes. The most common use of a firework is as part of a fireworks display. A fireworks event (also called a fireworks show or pyrotechnics) is a display of the effects produced by firework devices. Fireworks competitions are also regularly held at a number of places. Fireworks take many forms to produce the four primary effects: noise, light, smoke and floating materials (confetti for example). They may be designed to burn with flames and sparks of many colors, typically red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and silver. Displays are common throughout the world and are the focal point of many cultural and religious[1] celebrations.

The earliest documentation of fireworks dates back to 7th century China, where they were invented. The fireworks were used to accompany many festivities. It is a part of the culture of China and had its origin there; eventually it spread to other cultures and societies. Important events and festivities such as the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) and the Mid-Autumn Festival were and still are times when fireworks are guaranteed sights. China is the largest manufacturer and exporter of fireworks in the world.

Fireworks are generally classified as to where they perform, either as a ground or aerial firework. In the latter case they may provide their own propulsion (skyrocket) or be shot into the air by a mortar (aerial shell). The most common feature of fireworks is a paper or pasteboard tube or casing filled with the combustible material, often pyrotechnic stars. A number of these tubes or cases are often combined so as to make, when kindled, a great variety of sparkling shapes, often variously coloured. The skyrocket is a common form of firework, although the first skyrockets were used in war. Such rocket technology has also been used for the delivery of mail by rocket and is used as propulsion for most model rockets. The aerial shell is the backbone of today's commercial aerial display. A smaller version for consumer use is known as the festival ball in the United States. Ground fireworks, although less popular than aerial ones, create a stunning exhibition. These types of fireworks can produce various shapes, such as simple rotating circles, stars and 3D globes.

Fireworks tubes are made by rolling thick paper tightly around a former, such as a dowel. They can be made by hand, although most firework factories use machinery to manufacture tubes. Whenever tubes are used in fireworks, at least one end is always plugged with clay to keep both chemicals and burning gases from escaping through that end. The tooling is always made of non-sparking materials such as aluminum or brass. Experts at handling explosives, called pyrotechnicians, add chemicals for special effects.

Colour	Metal	Example compounds
Red	Strontium (intense red)	SrCO3 (strontium carbonate)
	Lithium (medium red)	Li2CO3 (lithium carbonate) LiCl (lithium chloride)
Orange	Calcium	CaCl2 (Calcium Chloride)
Yellow	Sodium	NaNO 3 (sodium nitrate)
Green	Barium	BaCl2 (barium chloride)
Blue	Copper	CuCl2 (copper chloride), at low temperature
Indigo	Cesium	(CsNO3 (cesium nitrate)
Violet	Potassium	KNO3 (Potassium Nitrate)
	Rubidium (violet-red)	RbNO3 (rubidium nitrate)
Gold	Charcoal, iron, or lampblack
White	Titanium, aluminium, berryllium or magnesium powders

The following table is an educational guideline for the chemistry of fireworks.

Symbol	Name	Fireworks usage	Color
Al	Aluminium	Aluminum is used to produce silver and white flames and sparks. It is a common component of sparklers.	Silver, white