Answer 1:
Thank you for your question. Oxidation is one of
the most basic and easily observed reactions in
chemistry. Oxidation in fireworks is caused by an
oxidizing agent, usually nitrates, chlorates,
orperchlorates. These oxidizers, in combination
with an inorganic metal, create the colors that we
see in fireworks. Some of the common inorganic
salts used in fireworks and their corresponding
colors areas follows:
strontium or lithium
salts - red aluminum, titanium, magnesium -
silver barium - green calcium -
orange sodium - yellow copper -
blue
A simple experiment that you could do
to observe these colors is to make a solution of
one of the above salts, dip a metal loop into
it,and then place the loop over a Bunsen burner.
You will see the flame change color upon reacting
with the inorganic salt. As far as an actual
science fair experiment goes, using the oxidizers
that fireworks use could be a little too dangerous
for your purposes. Nitrates, chlorates, and
perchlorates are highly reactive and somewhat
explosive. I would get in touch with an inorganic
chemist (I am a biochemist) whose lab is set up to
perform experiments such as the ones that you are
suggesting and work with them. Click Here to return to the search form.
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