The chemistry of fireworks
Description
Reverend Ron Lancaster MBE showcases how chemistry is involved in making fireworks with some fantastic demonstrations.
Type of Activity
:
group work, working independently
Audience
:
Student
Age Group
:
11 to 18 years
Chemistry of fireworks teaser video
Video
Duration : 00:01:56 time (hh:mm:ss)The burning properties of gunpowder
Video
Duration : 00:10:06 time (hh:mm:ss)The colour of fireworks
Video
Duration : 00:05:05 time (hh:mm:ss)Making coloured flames with nitrocellulose
Video
Duration : 00:04:52 time (hh:mm:ss)The properties of picric acid
Video
Duration : 00:01:27 time (hh:mm:ss)The sound of fireworks - whistles
Video
Duration : 00:05:27 time (hh:mm:ss)Chinese firecrackers
Video
Duration : 00:02:07 time (hh:mm:ss)Catalysts in fireworks
Video
Duration : 00:03:33 time (hh:mm:ss)Other uses of gunpowder
Video
Duration : 00:04:57 time (hh:mm:ss)Using perchlorates in fireworks
Video
Duration : 00:02:39 time (hh:mm:ss)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Reverend Ron Lancaster MBE is the founder of Kimbolton Fireworks Ltd who are the company who have put on some of the greatest fireworks displays of our times, including the 2012 Olympic games ceremonies, the Queen's Jubilee and New Year's celebrations in London and Edinburgh. The Chemistry of Fireworks lecture was filmed at Kimbolton School in Cambridgeshire.
Warning: These demonstrations have been tailored for this lecture. If you are to perform similar experiments in your laboratory, please make sure you carry out a full risk assessment.
