Fireworks history, pyrotechnics, physics of fireworks, fireworks safety, gunpowder invention, Chinese New Year, fireworks colors, strontium, sodium
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Abstract
Discover the origins and physics behind fireworks, a popular tradition at many events and celebrations.
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[...] Fireworks can be dangerous if not used correctly. It is therefore essential to follow safety rules, such as keeping a safe distance from the explosion area, having fire extinguishers within reach in case of an emergency, and checking the weather forecast. In conclusion, fireworks are important elements of celebration. We have explored the history of fireworks and their functioning. I hope that this presentation has allowed you to better understand fireworks and appreciate them even more during your next fireworks display. [...]
[...] Today we will see the history of fireworks by asking "How fireworks became an indispensable symbol of festivities?" Starting by seeing how and why it was created, then understanding its functioning, next seeing how we get different colors, and finally the safety measures to be respected during a fireworks display. Firstly, fireworks were invented in China in 1044 during the Christian era thanks to the invention of gunpowder. At the time, fireworks were used as firecrackers to scare away evil spirits. Over time, the Chinese began to create more elaborate fireworks, which were used for important events such as Chinese New Year celebrations. Fireworks then spread throughout Asia, then to Europe and the rest of the world. Their first use in France was for the wedding of Louis XIII. [...]
[...] The gases produced by combustion exert pressure and cause the shell to explode. In addition, in certain fireworks, we can see geometric shapes appear, which is due to the positioning of the stars, the pyrotechnic balls in different shapes, for example, if we place them in the shape of a triangle at the moment of detonation, we will see a triangle appear. From now on, in order to understand how light is emitted, let's look at what happens at the atomic level, which is made up of a nucleus and electrons that orbit around it. [...]
[...] But how do fireworks work? So, in the fireworks industry, the most popular firework is the shell, which is made up of a sphere from which a fuse protrudes, connected to a charge of explosive powder called the propellant. And to project the firework, we will slide it into a mortar that will block it, and we will light the fuse, which will ignite the propellant and produce gases that will be trapped between the base of the mortar and the shell. [...]
