The Chemistry of Fireworks!

Pyrotechnics mainly consist of the propellants used for the rockets, and the explosives.
The perfection of this show effect (that is the bright flash, loud bang, crackles/whistles, and
beautiful displays of color) is all thanks to pyrotechnicians. So, how do they do it?
Color Wavelengths/Perception:
Specific wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum provide us with the light (or
packets of energy) that our eyes are able to perceive. Electromagnetic waves that are between
roughly 380-740 nanometers (One nanometer being .0000000001 meters) is the spectrum we are
able to pick up on. The differences in wavelength result in the multiple colors we are able to
discern. For example, purple is around 400 nm, reds roughly 720 nm, and yellow being right
around 600 nm. The wavelengths we are unable to pick up on are longer ultraviolet waves, and
shorter infrared waves.

Chemical Colors:
Emission can involve both molecules and elements. Atomic emission is when elements
are in their atomic form, whereas molecular emission can be in common stable or fleeting
unstable forms. When energy is applied to chemicals in the form of heat or flame, the energy
excites the electrons in their atomic orbitals. In this higher energy state the electrons will jump
around, but wont remain that way for long. The extra energy will be passed along once the
electrons return back to their original states. In specific conditions, chemicals and elements
release this energy in the form of light that we are able to see in colors.

When heated, certain elements will give off wavelengths of light. For example: Strontium
gives off red, calcium orange, and Barium green. If aluminum powder or red gum (an organic
tree extract) is burned with the oxygen source barium nitrate, the fire will produce a green color
from chemicals and barium ions in the flame. If a compound contains chlorine, this element will
combine with Barium to result in an unstable free radical. The orbital effects that occur on the
electrons result in the emission of a deeper, more vibrant colored green.
When oxygen is transferred from the oxidizer to the fuel, the excess amount of energy
produced is displayed in the form of sound, light, heat, etc. The burning of material is crucial for
fireworks and pyrotechnics, so this oxygen transfer from one species to another is key. For
example, heat and light is produced through the process of slowly burning carbon in the air
(which creates CO2). By simply adding a chemical oxidizer, the pyrotechnician can increase the
oxygen in the air and speed up the burning process.

Pyrotechnics in Action:
To successfully emit wide ranges of colors/sounds, pyrotechnicians utilize different
recipes and compositions. Heres an example of one makeup used to produce a red flare:
Strontium nitrate - 20 parts
Magnesium - 28 parts (by weight)

 Strontium oxalate - 8 parts

Potassium perchlorate - 20 parts
This reaction is cultivated through the burning of three oxygen chemicals with
magnesium as the oxidized hot fuel. The reaction of strontium nitrate and strontium oxalate in
this hot plasma releases electromagnetic radiation once the excited electrons return to their
relaxed state. The bright red color we are able to perceive is due to the energy in the form of
waves.
The Veline Red flare we are able to see is created from the following composition:
Red gum (an organic fuel) 9 parts by weight
Potassium perchlorate - 20 parts
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) 15 parts
Magnalium (a magnesium/aluminum alloy) 6 parts
Strontium carbonate 15 parts
In this recipe, potassium perchlorate works as the oxidizer, magnalium and red gum (a
metal and organic) are the fuels that burn, and the strontium is responsible for the red emission.
The fleeting SrCl species that emit the deep red color are generated through the Polyvinyl
chloride (or chlorine donor).
Color Chemistry mixed with Color Wavelengths:
An emission spectrophotometer (one of the many tools used by pyrotechnicians to design
the most vibrant colors) uses an optical sensor to record and measure wavelengths, then plot
them on a graph vs. counts or intensity.

We are able to see orange-red at the strong peak (around 620 nm). Keep in mind that the
colors we are able to discern are biased because of our sensitivity to different wavelengths. For
example, some colors that appear bland on the spectrophotometer may be the most visually
appealing to the human eye. On the other hand, colors that may not appear noteworthy or unique
to us may be a specific wavelength where the spectrophotometer suggests otherwise.
To present nearly every color in the rainbow, pyrotechnicians are able to mix colors. An
important tidbit to note: emissive colors mix like stage light gels, so its not similar to mixing
paints. Here are a few examples:
Maroon: achieved though 85% red and 15% blue
Aqua: a combination of 80% green and 20% blue
Yellow: the result of 55% green and 45% orange
Works Cited:
"Chemistry of Fireworks Colors | Munsell Color System; Color Matching from Munsell Color
Company." Munsell Color System; Color Matching from Munsell Color Company. N.p., 2014.
Web. 11 Dec. 2016.
Google Image:
https://www.cesarsway.com/sites/newcesarsway/files/styles/large_article_preview/public/Howto-keep-your-dog-safe-and-at-ease-when-the-fireworks-start.jpg?itok=o-iq59MA