The Chemistry In Fireworks

In fireworks, the sounds and amazing lights are results of chemical reactions happening inside the fireworks. Combustion is what’s propelling the firework up in the air, and oxidization, which is the reaction where oxidizers are reacting with stars.

Oxidization

Oxidizers produce the oxygen gas to burn the mixture of reducing agents. They also charge the atoms of the light-emitting compounds. The most common oxidizers are nitrates and chlorates. Reducing agents and oxidizers can be found in the black powder and stars inside the fireworks. The oxidizers combine with the reducing agents to produce energy for explosion, which is the sounds and bright designs.

Equation

Potassium Chlorate yields Potassium Chloride and Oxygen Gas

2 KClO₃   ---------->   2 KCl + 3 O₂