The colors of fireworks are derived from a wide variety of metal salts. And when we say ‘salt’, we obviously do not mean common table salt (sodium chloride), but those compounds that contain metal and non-metal atoms ionically bonded.
But which chemical elements are responsible for coloring fireworks?
The most important component of fireworks is, of course, gunpowder. However, the chemical reaction that takes place is not simple, as various elements are involved, along with factors such as humidity, which affects combustion.
Inside fireworks, we find those ‘metal powders’ that give pyrotechnics their color and spectacularity when they explode.
When combustion occurs, different metals emit energy at different wavelengths—that is, in different colors.
Here are the most common metal salts used and the colors they produce:
- Strontium Salts (Sr): RED color
(strontium nitrate, strontium carbonate, strontium sulfate) - Calcium Salts (Ca): ORANGE color
(calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, calcium sulfate) - Sodium Salts (Na): YELLOW color
(sodium nitrate, sodium oxalate, cryolite) - Barium Salts (Ba): GREEN color
(barium nitrate, carbonate, chloride, or chlorate) - Copper Salts (Cu): BLUE color
(copper chloride, copper carbonate, copper oxide) - Copper + Strontium: PURPLE color
- Aluminum (Al) and Magnesium (Mg): SILVER color
- Magnesium (Mg), Titanium (Ti), or Aluminum (Al): BRIGHT WHITE color, very common in sparks
Broadly speaking, these are the chemical compounds used to color fireworks.
Various salts and elements to change the color and behavior of fire
Chemical elements to change the color of fire
Conclusions
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Source:
Ingeniería en General
https://t.me/ingenieriaengeneral