Independence Day is a time for Americans to come together and celebrate their country’s history and traditions. One of the most iconic aspects of this holiday is the fireworks displays that light up the night sky. But what goes into creating these spectacular shows?
According to Paul Smith, director of lecture demonstrations in the Department of Chemistry at Purdue University, fireworks are a combustion reaction that involves oxygen and other fuels being combined to produce light, sound, and propulsion. Smith has over 30 years of experience working with pyrotechnics and explains that different colors are produced by specific elements used in the fireworks. For example, strontium creates red, barium produces green, copper gives blue, calcium results in orange, and sodium makes yellow.
Creating a fireworks show requires careful planning and knowledge of chemistry. The components must be put together with specific intentions to create different effects when ignited in the air. This science is combined to create a sensory experience for those who watch the show on Independence Day. From the visual display to the sound produced by the fireworks, everything contributes to making it a memorable event.
In Dayton, there are many events happening on Independence Day. To find out more information about these celebrations, you can click here for a comprehensive list of all events taking place in the city on July 4th.