What makes fireworks different colors?

One of the remarkable events of every holiday season is certainly the fireworks show, and you don't even have to go to Copacabana to know what we're talking about. Fireworks shows have become so popular that it's hard to find a place where there's no programming whatsoever.

Among the most popular types of fireworks are the colorful ones that grace the sky and make our hearts beat faster, more thrilling. They are the fireworks that accompany us this New Year and make us think of good things that we would like to happen the following year.

Although the fireworks themselves are pure excitement, behind every explosion that illuminates our New Year's Eve is a beautiful chemical mixture. The so-called pyrotechnic stars are made from gunpowder, which is a dark powder.

Pyrotechnic stars

Then the explosive mixture gets fuel, oxidizer, metal powder and binder, which brings all of these ingredients together. The explosion happens thanks to gunpowder, and the gas and heat produced by combustion is what makes the star shapes in the sky.

At this point, the metallic powder added to the mixture ends up absorbing the energy of the explosion and its electrons enter a more excited state of energy. When they return to their ground state, the excess energy becomes light.

Each type of chemical powder produces a different form of energy, so we can manipulate the fireworks so that they exist in different shapes and colors. Next, find out which metals produce different colors in the fireworks explosion:

Red: we have strontium carbonate for intense reds and lithic carbonate for medium reds;

Orange: calcium chloride;

Yellow: sodium nitrate;

Green: Barium chloride;

Blue: copper chloride;

Purple: Strontium and copper compounds;

Gold: coal and iron;

White and silver: titanium, aluminum, magnesium and beryllium.

***

Always remember that the utmost care must be taken to set off fireworks, and it is important at this time not to have children and pets around. When in doubt, be content to watch the pyrotechnic shows promoted by the town hall of the city where you will be - these shows are done by professionals, so there is no risk of accidents.