Invented by the Chinese nearly 1000 years ago, fireworks have become indelibly etched in the human imagination. From Independence Day celebrations across the United States to global New Year’s extravaganzas to the nightly displays at many theme parks, fireworks are here to stay. But every type of fireworks is somewhat different. Here are the similarities and differences between three of the most popular types of fireworks: firecrackers, sparklers, and aerial effects.
Firecrackers
The earliest fireworks were known as “pao chuk,” or “bursting bamboo, as they consisted only of burning green bamboo, which crackled and exploded. As soon as the Chinese discovered black powder, though, around the 9th century AD, they began packing it inside the bamboo for louder and more powerful explosions. These were the first firecrackers, and the first true fireworks.
Today, firecrackers consist of gunpowder or a similar powder wrapped in paper or cardboard and lit by a fuse. A chemical reaction within the firecracker produces the trademark bang. Exactly how this works depends on the type of powder that is used, but all follow a similar process. For example, gunpowder consists of carbon, potassium nitrate, and sulfur. The carbon (in the form of charcoal or sugar) acts as fuel. Potassium nitrate is an oxidizer, which sets off the chemical reaction the carbon needs to burn. Sulfur moderates the chemical reaction.
When the fuse is lit, it provides the heat needed to start the chemical reaction. The reaction between the three components forms nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and potassium sulfide. As these byproducts rapidly expand, they form an explosion that blows apart the wrapper and creates a loud noise. The visual effect of the explosion can be dramatic, but it is considered incidental. The point of a firecracker is the loud bang.
Sparklers
Extremely popular with kids and the young at heart, a sparkler is a handheld firework consisting of a chemical compound on a strong stick or wire. Similar to a firecracker, a sparkler requires a fuel and an oxidizer (though usually not a moderator), as well as a heat source to start the chemical reaction.
In sparklers, the fuel is often a powdered metal, such as aluminum, iron, zinc, or magnesium, while the oxidizer is generally (like in firecrackers) potassium nitrate. These chemicals are mixed with water to create a slurry, which then coats the sparkler wire. The powdered metal creates shimmering sparks as it heats up, and flakes of other metals may be added for additional effects.
Unlike a firecracker, whose job is to explode quickly and create a loud noise, a sparkler must burn slowly from one end to the other. Therefore, the proportions of the chemicals are adjusted to create a slow reaction rather than a fast one.
Aerial Shells
Aerial shells, which launch high into the sky before exploding into a shower of colorful patterns, are what most people think of as fireworks. Aerial shells are actually a far larger and more powerful combination of sparklers and firecrackers. Each shell has four basic components.
Container: A usually cylindrical wrapper of paper or cardboard that holds the rest of the shell
Stars: Sparkler-like material formed into cubes, spheres, or other shapes
Bursting Charge: A firecracker-like explosive in the center of the shell
Fuse: Provides the heat necessary for the chemical reaction, as well as a delay so that the firework explodes at the desired altitude
There is also a small lifting charge mounted to the bottom of the shell. When the shell is launched from a mortar, or short pipe, the lifting charge explodes, carrying the shell to the desired height. It simultaneously lights the fuse, which slowly burns until the firework reaches the correct altitude.
When the fuse is burned away, the bursting charge explodes, igniting the stars and sending them flying in all directions. The way the stars are arranged inside the container determines the pattern. For example, if they are arranged in a circle around the bursting charge, the result will be a circular firework pattern.
More complicated shells are known as multi-break shells. Instead of a single bursting charge, multi-break shells contain multiple break charges that separate different sections of the shell. The break charges are designed so that each charge lights the next, creating a series of explosions. Each section of the shell contains different stars of different colors and/or patterns, and perhaps additional explosive effects.
Although aerial shells are complex, they are built on the relative simplicity of sparklers and firecrackers. Every firework relies on a chemical reaction initiated by heat. Everything else is merely artistry and technical know-how layered on top of this simple foundation.
At Dynamite Fireworks, we don’t only sell top-quality, name-brand fireworks. We also provide the information you need to know to use them responsibly, legally, and safely. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at (219) 937-4090. We look forward to becoming your one-stop shop for all your fireworks needs!