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Fireworks

This Science Minute was researched and written by Jackson E., of Ithaca, NY.

Did you ever wonder how fireworks make such beautiful colors? It's elementary!

Fireworks are made by packing a fuse, fuel, gunpowder, and certain metallic elements into a tube. When the fuse is lit, the fuel propels the firework out of its tube and into the air. Then the gunpowder explodes, sending the metal particles flying. When these particles are exposed to oxygen in the air, they get so hot that they make bright colors.

Different elements make different colors. For example, strontium makes purple or red fireworks and sodium makes yellow.

Fireworks were invented in China hundreds of years ago.

Next time you see a fireworks show, I hope you will think about how they work!