There are many types of fireworks and they all work in a similar way, one of the most commonly recognised is the rocket. Have you ever wondered how a rocket works? or how they make the different coloured fireworks?

The first thing you probably notice is the long wooden stick. This is an important part of the rocket as it makes the rocket go in a straight line, without this it will just go in any direction! They also help to aim the rockets away from people and houses.

The second part of the rocket is the fuse, this is the bit you light to make the rocket go off. The fuse ignites the ‘charge’ part of the firework, which in turn ignites the other fuses inside to make the colourful fireworks you see.

The third part we have already mentioned the charge. This is the part of the rocket that makes it shoot into the sky (up to 150mph!) the charge is made up of compressed gunpowder (otherwise known as black powder). The amount of gunpowder used depends on the size of the firework and the height it needs to go up to be clear of spectators.

The fourth part is the effect, this is the part that makes the wonderful pattern in the air once its clear of spectators. This part can have one effect or multiple effects, multiple effects are set off in different compartments of the rocket by a time delay fuse (a slower burning version of the fuse used to ignite the firework.) The compartments are made up of loosely filled explosive material, the way it is packed, and the materials used depend on the pattern they want to create.

Okay so that’s how the rocket works, but what do they use to make different colours.

This is where chemistry comes in to play. Back in school we used to burn metal in the Bunsen burners, this created a very intense glowing colour. The way fireworks make colour is very similar.

Different metals are used for different colours:

• strontium carbonate (red fireworks)
• calcium chloride (orange fireworks)
• sodium nitrate (yellow fireworks)
• barium chloride (green fireworks)
• copper chloride (blue fireworks) – blue happens to be the hardest colour to make.

Luckily though you don’t need to worry about any chemistry or the amount of gunpowder to use as the firework manufactures do all this for you, and best of all the fireworks are tested to make sure they are safe for you to use. So, if you are looking for Fireworks to buy in the UK take a look at our online shop.