Source: Kenneth Klabunde, 785-532-6849, kenjk@k-state.edu
http://www.mediarelations.k-state.edu/WEB/News/MediaGuide/klabundebio.html
Pronouncer: KLUH-BUN-DEE
News release prepared by: Kira Everhart, 785-532-6415

Monday, June 28, 2004

SIDEBAR: How fireworks work:
ALL THE PRETTY COLORS

MANHATTAN -- Did you ever wonder what makes fireworks explode in a rainbow of colors? The answer: metals. When a metal burns, it emits photons that we see as light. Because different metals emit photons with different wavelengths as they burn, each metal produces its own individual color of light. So which metal makes which color?

Red - Strontium and lithium

Orange - Calcium

Gold - Incandescence of iron, charcoal or lampblack

Yellow - Sodium

Electric White - Magnesium or aluminum

Green - Barium plus a chlorine producer

Blue - Copper plus a chlorine producer

Purple - Strontium plus copper

Silver - Aluminum, titanium or magnesium powder or flakes

These metals can't do it alone. Most are in compound forms when burning in fireworks.

Information from K-State distinguished professor of chemistry Kenneth Klabunde and http://chemistry.about.com/library/weekly/aa062701a.htm

 

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