CHEMISTRY INVESTIGATORY PROJECT

EXAM : AISSCE
NAME : NISHANTIKA GHOSH
BOARD ROLL NUMBER :
REGISTRATION NUMBER :

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 Topic Page no
Acknowledgment 03
Aim 04
Introduction 05
How Fireworks are Made 06

History of fireworks 07

Firework Celebrations 08

Classification of Fireworks 10

Experiment 12
Result 14
Bibliography 15

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I would like to express my sincere gratitude towards the Chemistry Department, the
teachers and the lab assistants for their vital support, guidance and encouragement,
without which this project would not have been successful.

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To explore the science behind fireworks and, also understand the chemistry and
pyrotechnics involved in their creation and operation

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Fireworks are dazzling pyrotechnic displays that light up the sky with bursts of color,
sound, and spectacle. Rooted in ancient Chinese traditions, where they were first
invented to ward off evil spirits, fireworks have become a universal symbol of
celebration and joy. They are crafted using a blend of chemicals and precise techniques
to create stunning effects like sparks, explosions, and vibrant patterns. Today, fireworks
are a central feature of festivals, national holidays, and special events worldwide,
captivating audiences and adding a touch of magic to every occasion.

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Fireworks consist of a fuel, an oxidiser, a binder and additives for colours. The most
common oxidiser is potassium nitrate, and the fuel is usually charcoal or sulphur (gun
powder). Gun powder is very sensitive to sparks and ignites instantly causing fire in
firework factories and storehouses. The binder can be sugar or starch, usually dextrin,.
When mixed, they form a kind of paste which hardens around anything coated with it.
A sparkler is made by dipping a wire of desired length in to the slurry of this mixture.
Whereas, a skyrocket consists of a cylinder packed with gunpowder and additives for
specific colours. On ignition, they propel themselves into the sky and then burst into
one or more colours or patterns.

Here are some key pyrotechnic techniques used in firework making:

1. Colour Production:
o Metallic Salts: Different metal salts produce various colours. For example:
 Strontium salts = Red
 Barium salts = Green
 Sodium compounds = Yellow
 Copper salts = Blue
o Temperature Control: Adjusting the burning temperature enhances the
brightness and purity of colours.
2. Pattern Creation:
o Star Arrangement: Stars (pellets containing fuel and colorants) are
arranged inside the shell in specific patterns to create effects like rings,
hearts, or multi-layered bursts.
o Cascades and Trails: Stars with additives like titanium or aluminium
produce sparkling trails as they burn.
3. Timed Delays:
o Fuses: Different fuses are used to delay the ignition of specific
components, ensuring that explosions occur at the desired altitude and
sequence.
o Layering Charges: Multiple layers within a shell can produce sequential
bursts.
4. Sound Effects:
o Whistles and Screeches: Rapidly burning chemicals like potassium
benzoate create high-pitched sounds.
o Booms and Crackles: Layered compositions using flash powder or metal
powders generate loud explosions and crackling effects.

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Fireworks have a long and fascinating history, originating in ancient China around 200
BCE. They were discovered accidentally when a mixture of saltpetre, sulphur, and
charcoal—what we now call gunpowder—was thrown into a fire, producing a small
explosion. This marked the birth of fireworks and laid the foundation for their
development.

Ancient China: The Birthplace of Fireworks

 Han Dynasty (200 BCE): Early Chinese alchemists accidentally discovered

gunpowder while attempting to create an elixir for immortality.
 Tang Dynasty (7th Century): Gunpowder was packed into bamboo tubes to create
rudimentary firecrackers, used to scare away evil spirits and celebrate festivals.
 Song Dynasty (10th Century): Fireworks became more sophisticated, with the
development of aerial displays. The Chinese used them in military signalling and
celebrations.

Spread to the Islamic World and Europe

 13th Century: Arab traders and scholars brought the knowledge of gunpowder
and fireworks from China to the Islamic world and Europe.
 14th Century: Fireworks were used in Europe for royal celebrations, weddings,
and military demonstrations. Italy became a hub for the art of pyrotechnics,
developing colourful and elaborate displays.

The Renaissance Era:

 Italian firework makers advanced the technology, experimenting with different

chemicals to produce vibrant colours and shapes. They trained pyrotechnicians
who spread their expertise across Europe. Fireworks became associated with
national events, coronations, and religious festivals.

Modern Fireworks (18th-20th Century):

 By the 18th century, fireworks displays had become an art form, especially in
Europe. The use of metallic salts allowed for a wider range of colours.
 In the 19th century, advancements in chemistry and manufacturing made
fireworks more affordable and accessible.
 Fireworks began to be used for public celebrations worldwide, including New
Year’s Eve, Independence Days, and cultural festivals.

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Fireworks have become a universal symbol of celebration, marking important cultural,
religious, and national events. Here are some of the most famous firework celebrations
across the globe:

1. Lunar New Year (China)

 Where: China and across East Asia

 When: Late January to February (based on the lunar calendar)
 Significance:
Fireworks are central to Lunar New Year celebrations, believed to ward off evil
spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. Cities like Beijing and Hong
Kong feature grand displays, while smaller towns and families light firecrackers.

2. Fourth of July (USA)

 Where: United States

 When: July 4
 Significance:
Fireworks commemorate American Independence Day, symbolising freedom and
patriotism. Major displays in New York City, Washington D.C., and Boston
feature synchronised music and vibrant pyrotechnics.

3. Diwali (India)

 Where: India and Indian communities worldwide

 When: October/November (based on the Hindu lunar calendar)
 Significance:
Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over
darkness and good over evil. Fireworks illuminate the night sky, accompanied by
the lighting of lamps (diyas) and festive celebrations.

4. New Year’s Eve (Global)

 Where: Major cities worldwide (e.g., Sydney, Dubai, New York City)
 When: December 31
 Significance:
Fireworks mark the transition to the new year, symbolising renewal and hope.
Iconic displays include the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, and
Times Square in New York.

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5. Guy Fawkes Night (UK)

 Where: United Kingdom

 When: November 5
 Significance:
Also known as Bonfire Night, this celebration commemorates the foiling of the
Gunpowder Plot in 1605. Fireworks, bonfires, and effigy burnings are part of the
tradition.

6. Bastille Day (France)

 Where: France
 When: July 14
 Significance:
Celebrating the French Revolution, Bastille Day features fireworks as a symbol
of liberty and national pride. The Eiffel Tower in Paris becomes a centrepiece for
one of the world’s most stunning displays.

7. Dubai Shopping Festival (UAE)

 Where: Dubai, UAE

 When: January-February (varies annually)
 Significance:
During this month-long festival, nightly firework shows accompany shopping
and entertainment events, reflecting Dubai’s grandeur and flair.

8. Hanabi Taikai (Japan)

 Where: Various cities in Japan

 When: Summer months (July-August)
 Significance:
"Hanabi" (firework) festivals are a traditional Japanese summer event. Elaborate
displays over rivers and bays are complemented by people wearing yukata and
enjoying street food.

9. Rio Carnival (Brazil)

 Where: Rio de Janeiro

 When: February/March
 Significance:
Fireworks enhance the vibrant parades and samba performances during one of the
world’s largest and most colorful carnivals.

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Fireworks can be classified based on their use, effects, and design. Here are the main
categories:

1. Aerial Fireworks

These fireworks are launched into the sky and create spectacular displays. They are
commonly used in large-scale celebrations and professional shows.

 Shells: Create colourful bursts in the air.

 Rockets: Propelled high into the sky before exploding into patterns.
 Roman Candles: Emit stars and bursts in succession.
 Crossettes: Stars that split into smaller fragments mid-flight.
 Comets: Leave long, glowing trails resembling shooting stars.

2. Ground-Based Fireworks

These are designed to stay on the ground, creating dazzling effects at eye level.

 Fountains: Emit sprays of sparks and colors from a stationary position.

 Wheels: Spin rapidly to create circular patterns of light.
 Gerbs: Produce controlled, fountain-like effects with a vertical jet of sparks.
 Sparklers: Handheld fireworks that emit bright, sparkling light.

3. Noise-Generating Fireworks

These focus on loud sounds rather than visual effects.

 Firecrackers: Small explosives that produce loud bangs.

 Salutes: Used in aerial displays for their powerful booms.
 Whistlers: Emit high-pitched sounds before bursting.

4. Specialty Fireworks

These are designed for unique effects or artistic displays.

 Multi-break Shells: Contain multiple layers, creating several bursts in one

firework.
 Chrysanthemum: Burst into spherical patterns with sparkling trails.
 Peony: Create round bursts with soft, symmetrical edges.
 Willows: Leave long, trailing sparks resembling weeping willow branches.

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  Fish Effects: Stars move erratically, mimicking swimming fish.

5. Indoor Fireworks

Used for theatrical performances, concerts, and events, these are designed to be safe in
controlled indoor environments.

 Stage Fountains: Controlled sparks for stage shows.

 Flame Effects: Create coloured flames or bursts.
 Smoke Effects: Generate colourful or dense smoke clouds.

6. Novelty Fireworks

These are small, playful fireworks for personal use and smaller celebrations.

 Snakes and Glow Worms: Burn slowly to produce ash that grows into a "snake."
 Poppers: Small devices that release a burst of confetti or streamers.
 Spinners: Spin on the ground, emitting sparks and colours.

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Chemicals required:
Magnesium wire, iron filings, aluminium strips, strontium nitrate, barium nitrate, copper
chloride, potassium sulphate, concentrated HCl, watch glass, potassium wire

Procedure:

Observation:
Sample Taken: Magnesium wire

Experiment Observation Inference

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Sample Taken: Iron filings

Experiment Observation Inference

Sample Taken: Strip of aluminium

Experiment Observation Inference

Sample Taken: Strontium nitrate

Experiment Observation Inference

Sample Taken: Barium nitrate

Experiment Observation Inference

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Sample Taken: Copper chloride

Experiment Observation Inference

Sample Taken: Potassium sulphate

Experiment Observation Inference

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 “Chemistry of Fireworks” by Michael S. Russell
 “Chemistry of Pyrotechnics: Basic Principles and
Theory” by Chris Mocella, John A. Conkling
 “Fireworks: Pyrotechnic Arts and Science in European
History” by Simon Werrett
 https://www.compoundchem.com
 https://www.ontariosciencecentre.com
 https://www.acs.org

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