By Isabelle HaleHow Fireworks Work

FireworksFireworks have been around for thousands of yearsThe fireworks I have researched explode in the air, although there are many different types of firecrackers

About FireworksFireworks are also called PyrotechnicsMany states prohibit use of fireworks because of the extreme explosive powerMade of a combination of gunpowder and other ingredients packed tightly in hollow paper tubes

History of FireworksThe 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 FireworksA Chinese man discovered that adding salt to the firework would make it flare up and explode like in a firePotassium nitrate (similar to salt) was added to the firecrackersAround the year 1000 A.D., it was discovered that the Chinese had invented gunpowder

History of FireworksThe Chinese invention of gunpowder was first used in war in 1000 A.D. when Sung China was invaded by Khiatin barbariansGunpowder was put in a paper box and used similarly to fireworksIn 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 its highest point, the finer powder in the firecracker is ignited at a finer charge, then it explodesFiner powderFuseDiagram 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 rocketStarsDiagram of a spherical firework shell

5th Action-How Fireworks WorkDuring 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

FlaresA 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 PistolsPistols, 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!

BibliographySilverberg, 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

BibliographyHow Fireworks Work. http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blrocketfirework.htm Fireworks. World Book Encyclopedia. World Book Inc. Chicago 2003