How does a firecracker work?
A firecracker is perhaps one of the first fireworks a young would-be pyrotechnician learns to handle. It consists of a small cardboard tube wrapped in decorative paper, with a wick-like fuse extending from one end. The idea is to light the end of the fuse, then drop the firecracker and stand back. Within a few seconds, there should be a flash of light and a loud bang. If an entire string of firecrackers is lit, the result is a series of small explosions and a generous supply of smoke and fire. So how does a firecracker actually work? The answer lies in the nature of the chemicals packed inside the tube and the pressure they create once they begin to burn. A typical firecracker contains a small amount of black powder or gun powder, which burns rapidly when it comes in contact with an open flame, such as the chemically impregnated paper wick. Black powder consists of three ingredients: potassium nitrate, charcoal (or sugar), and sulfur. A typical ratio of these three ingredients would be
Introduction Many celebrations, such as the Fourth of July, New Year’s and the Chinese New Year, are not complete without scores of fireworks and firecrackers going off everywhere. Fireworks signify independence and excitement, and also continuously evolve to form beautiful pieces of artwork in the sky. However, even the most complicated firework started with the concept of a simple firecracker. Elements Firecrackers start with three main substances: 75 percent is made up of potassium nitrate, 15 percent is made up of carbon (charcoal) and 10 percent is made up of sulfur. These substances–in these proportions–create a powerful chemical reaction when a heat source (usually fire) is introduced. This chemical reaction is the explosion you see with most firecrackers. The Wrapping The wrapping is an integral part of the firecracker’s reaction. The wrapping allows the chemical reaction to build up pressure. The pressure beneath the wrapper is what allows the firecracker to build up enough
