by isabelle hale
Post on 30-Dec-2015
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By Isabelle Hale
How Fireworks Work
FireworksFireworks have been around for thousands of years
The fireworks I have researched explode in the air, although there are many different types of firecrackers
About Fireworks Fireworks are also
called “Pyrotechnics” Many states prohibit use
of fireworks because of the extreme explosive power
Made of a combination of gunpowder and other ingredients packed tightly in hollow paper tubes
History of Fireworks The Chinese discovered
the reaction of charcoal and sulfur around the first century A.D., although the early time of the first fireworks is unknown
The Chinese first used fireworks in religious ceremonies and festivals
History of Fireworks A Chinese man discovered
that adding salt to the firework would make it flare up and explode like in a fire
Potassium nitrate (similar to salt) was added to the firecrackers
Around the year 1000 A.D., it was discovered that the Chinese had invented “gunpowder”
History of Fireworks The Chinese invention of
gunpowder was first used in war in 1000 A.D. when Sung China was invaded by Khiatin barbarians
Gunpowder was put in a paper box and used similarly to fireworks
In the Sung Dynasty, fire stones were invented for use in warfare
1st Action-How Fireworks Work
First, the fuse, which is a long, string like roll of paper, is lit. The fuse is a special type of coated string specially attached to the rocket. The fuse is located at the end of the firework.
This is a picture of some people preparing for a fireworks show and the man is checking and lighting a fuse.
2nd Action-How Fireworks Work
Next, the spark from the fuse reaches a gunpowder charge in the firework and ignites it, forming gases that stream out of the end of the firecracker. Fireworks that explode on the ground do not have this gunpowder charge.
This picture is of a rocket, not a firework, although it shows the action of streaming gases propelling the rocket.
3rd Action-How Fireworks Work The streaming gases
propel the rocket, and the rocket shoots up into the air
When the firecracker reaches it’s highest point, the finer powder in the firecracker is ignited at a finer charge, then it explodes
Finer powder
Fuse
Diagram of the inside of a firework
4th Action-How Fireworks Work
The explosion breaks up the firecracker and ignites small “stars” in the middle of the rocket
StarsDiagram of a spherical firework shell
5th Action-How Fireworks Work
During the explosion, chemicals that produce colors are ignited
Sodium compounds are used for yellow, strontium compounds for red, copper and barium for blue and green, and charcoal for a “sparkling” effect
Flares
A flare is similar to a firework and is used to set off a red color flame used as a danger signal and warning on railways and highways.
Torpedoes Torpedoes are used similarly as fireworks as well, using gunpowder to explode. Torpedoes are used on railroads and are set off under bridges when trains pass over to warn the engineer of danger ahead. The are also used on battle ships to attack enemy ships.
Flare Pistols
Pistols, like fireworks, use gunpowder. Pistols are used to shoot flares that can be seen from far away. These may be used in emergency.
About the Author My name is Isabelle
Hale. I am in 7th grade at Hanes Middle School. I have two brothers, and one sister, and our family loves sailing and most other sports. My dad is from England and I am half English. I like movies, and a lot of different foods! I also love to snorkel in the Florida Keys!
About the Author Continued...
These are some more things that I like!
Bibliography Silverberg, Robert. Wonders of Ancient Chinese
Science. New York: Hawthorn Books, 1969. Brian, Marshall. “How Fireworks Work.”
http://www.chennaiads.com/articles/fireworks.asp
Brian, Marshall. “Fireworks.” http://people.howstuffworks.com/fireworks.htm/printable
Bibliography
“How Fireworks Work.” http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blrocketfirework.htm
“Fireworks.” World Book Encyclopedia. World Book Inc. Chicago 2003
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