What is chemistry of fireworks?

Nowadays fireworks are one of the most amazing inventions of human civilization and they have been used for a very long period of time. There are different types of fireworks, but the most common type is the firecrackers which are used to celebrate festivals and other ceremonies.

Firecrackers are usually used during the festival season and on special occasions. In India, we use firecrackers during the Holi festival and Diwali. But, why is it so interesting to us? What is the chemistry of fireworks? What are chemicals used in fireworks?

To understand this question, first of all, we have to know what exactly is a firework. A firework is something that is designed to produce an explosion. Firework is basically a combination of chemicals and metals that are compressed and sealed inside a tube and then explode in the presence of oxygen.

So, if you know what is a firework and what is the chemistry of fireworks, then you will surely know that they are not safe at all. They have lots of dangerous ingredients that are toxic.

Let’s discuss some of the most common ingredients that are found in firecrackers. Some of these are:

Nitrocellulose – Nitrocellulose is a clear colorless liquid. It is a flammable, explosive liquid. It is also used in gunpowder and other explosives. Nitrocellulose is widely used as a propellant.

Chlorate of Potassium – Chlorate of Potassium is a salt and it is an extremely powerful oxidizing agent. 

Coke Powder/Nitroglycerine – Coke powder is also a form of nitroglycerine. It is used to make the firecracker and the bombshell.

Potassium Chloride – Potassium Chloride is an inorganic compound that is used as a fertilizer. It is a strong oxidizing agent and it helps to stabilize the mixture of the chemicals.

Gelatin – Gelatin is a natural protein. It is soluble in cold water. It is made up of a mixture of proteins and carbohydrates. Industrial gelatin is used for fireworks.

Cobalt Metal – Cobalt is a heavy metal that is used in the manufacture of various products like toys and jewelry.

Sulfur – Sulfur is a chemical element that is used in many industries. It is commonly used in fireworks. It helps to generate the color of fireworks.

Magnesium – Magnesium is a light metallic element that is used in the production of various items like batteries and tools.

Lithium – Lithium is a metallic element that is used in batteries and other products.

Ammonia – Ammonia is a toxic substance that is used to develop the colors of firecrackers.

Potassium Nitrate: This is the main ingredient of the fireworks and it is used to produce the smoke.

Now you are fully aware of the things that are found in firecrackers. There are lots of harmful chemicals that are found in firecrackers, and these chemicals are responsible for most of the damage.