The Physics of Fireworks (Synopsis) [Starts With A Bang]

“Celebrate the independence of your nation by blowing up a small part of it.” -The Simpsons

When gunpowder was first invented more than 1,000 years ago by mixing activated carbon (charcoal), sulfur and potassium nitrate together, its first major application was to the development of fireworks. By combining four simple elements – a launch, a fuse, a burst charge and ignitable stars – the most spectacular explosive shows could be produced.

The anatomy of a firework. Image credit: PBS/NOVA Online, retrieved from http://ift.tt/29e6R6Y.

Yet the design of each stage only works with the proper understanding of the science behind it, and in particular, of the physics underlying it all. To get the right height, shape, size and color for your firework, you have to master each component of each stage. And yet, the science enables us to do exactly that!

The altitude, size, and display of different fireworks. Images credit: Oracle Thinkquest (2011); the site was discontinued in 2013 via http://ift.tt/1sIi68L.

Come get the full story on the physics of fireworks in prep for the greatest explosives show in the world!

from ScienceBlogs http://ift.tt/298BfM0

“Celebrate the independence of your nation by blowing up a small part of it.” -The Simpsons

When gunpowder was first invented more than 1,000 years ago by mixing activated carbon (charcoal), sulfur and potassium nitrate together, its first major application was to the development of fireworks. By combining four simple elements – a launch, a fuse, a burst charge and ignitable stars – the most spectacular explosive shows could be produced.

The anatomy of a firework. Image credit: PBS/NOVA Online, retrieved from http://ift.tt/29e6R6Y.

Yet the design of each stage only works with the proper understanding of the science behind it, and in particular, of the physics underlying it all. To get the right height, shape, size and color for your firework, you have to master each component of each stage. And yet, the science enables us to do exactly that!

The altitude, size, and display of different fireworks. Images credit: Oracle Thinkquest (2011); the site was discontinued in 2013 via http://ift.tt/1sIi68L.

Come get the full story on the physics of fireworks in prep for the greatest explosives show in the world!

from ScienceBlogs http://ift.tt/298BfM0