There’s nothing more awe-inspiring and uplifting than seeing fireworks on a special occasion. For the most part, we see them lighting up the sky amid the black dome to celebrate the New Year or during other festive seasons. Some families even have a mini-firework display during special occasions like birthdays or weddings. Likewise, businesses often conclude their event with a colourful blast in the sky for all the participants to witness. There’s no doubt that fireworks displays have been mesmerising viewers for ages.

However, have you ever wondered how they actually work? In this article, we will dive deeper into the science behind these magnificent displays.

A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST

Historians believed that the fireworks were first developed in the second century BC in ancient Liuyang, China. It is said that they used bamboo stalks that exploded with a bang when thrown in a fire. They soon made their way to Europe in the 13th century and were eventually used for religious festivals and public entertainment in the 15th century. They were then brought to the New World by the early US settlers. Today, various countries worldwide display these wonders every year to welcome a new year. With the advancement of technology, however, they are now executed with precision through the use of computers.

WHAT THEIR MECHANISMS ARE

If you’re wondering how fireworks work, it’s important to take a look at their mechanisms. In essence, there are three key aspects to consider—coloured light, noise, and smoke. Sure, you may get amazed at the colourful lights above, but they won’t work without the smoke and not to mention the noise that adds to the background. For this reason, arranging a display can be a bit complex, which is where designing the pyrotechnics must be grounded in science.

HOW THEY WORK

Now that you know the basic mechanisms of firework, let’s get into how they work:

It’s important to choose the right elements based on how the photon emission works to create the right colour display. For instance, sodium produces an intense yellow, while strontium makes a vivid red. If you want to create yellow and white lights, you need aluminium power for the former and a sodium salt for the latter.

You now have to factor in how they will be launched into the sky. Know that the black powder consisted of sulfur, potassium nitrate, and charcoal is typically used to set the fireworks. This powder burns slowly enough through the guide of mortar or tube.

The fuse burns up to the compartment containing the compound as the fireworks fly into the air. As a result, they start to produce light, colour, and sound. When it comes to this, flash powder, which is a mixture of potassium perchlorate and aluminium powder, is best used for this. It is because it produces a loud sound and quick, bright explosion when lit.

CONCLUSION

At this point, you now have a clearer idea of how the majestic display works. At the same time, be sure to consider the valuable information discussed above when looking for fireworks for sale in the UK for your upcoming event. Ultimately, fireworks will continue to be even more colourful, brighter, and louder as the years go by, making everyone smile with awe and wonder!

We’re your go-to supplier that has been providing the best fireworks in the UK for over ten years. If you’re looking to buy fireworks for your business event or special occasion, we’ve got you covered with a wide variety of choices. Get in touch with us today to see how we can work wonders on your firework display!