Over the past two weeks, the Eureka Science Club has been exploring the chemistry behind fireworks!
Their first experiment created brilliant sparks by heating iron filings. The iron reacted rapidly with oxygen in the air – a process called combustion – releasing energy as intense heat and a dazzling flash of light, just like the sparks we see on bonfire night.
Next, they investigated the vibrant colors of fireworks using flame tests. By heating metal chlorides like sodium and copper, the electrons in the metals absorbed energy, jumped to higher orbits, and then released that energy as light when returning to their original state. Each metal produces a unique color, explaining the reds, blues, and greens in the sky.
From fiery sparks to colorful flames, the Eureka Science Club discovered the spectacular chemistry behind every firework display!
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