The Chemistry of Colors
 

What makes blue fireworks?

On the Fourth of July, millions of Americans will gather together in different parts of the country to be dazzled by spectacular fireworks displays.  Chemistry plays an important role in the production of these fireworks.  Fireworks are made by combining a number of elements.  Each element used in fireworks has a special job and purpose.

BLUE fireworks are typically made by using copper chloride (CuCl).  Blue fireworks are the most difficult to achieve in a pure form.  The wavelength range of a blue firework is seen from 403-456nm, where there are several intense bands.  CuCl is unstable at high temperatures, so the firework cannot get too hot, yet it must be bright enough for the viewers to see.

To create firework colors is a complex project, requiring many considerations of art and physical science.  Fireworks combine many aspects of the science of light and color.
 
 
References:

http://www.chemistry.about.com
http://www.riverdeep.com
http://www.webelements.com
http://sis.bris.ac.uk/~kb9455/fire







Page done by Rebecca Justus

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