Rough Science

Fireworks Challenge Glossary


Hot gases - Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and nitrogen.


Wavelengths - A wavelength is the distance from one wave crest to the next.


Atomic emission comes from atoms like sodium. Sodium's emission, which is very strong relative to other atomic emitters, occurs at a wavelength of 589 nm (nanometers).


Molecular emissions comes from molecules - groups of atoms joined together.


Electrons - Small, negatively charged particles.


Photons - Light and electromagnetic radiation is emitted and absorbed in packets of energy called photons.


Black Body - A body capable of absorbing and radiating all wavelengths.


Propellant - Made by a lifting powder. The lifting powder will shoot the firework into the sky in the form of a rocket or else ignite producing an explosion and/or trail of beautiful colours as in a Roman Candle.


Effect - The effect is normally a 'star' and comprises the compounds that produce the colours. This is the part of the firework that goes up in the air. The star is not made into a specific shape or size and is usually not star-shaped, however, when it burns it has the appearance of a star.


Velocity - The velocity of an object is the measure of its speed, defined as the distance covered during a set time period. Velocity is measured in metres per second (ms-1).


Acceleration - The acceleration of an object describes the changes in its velocity. Acceleration is measured in metres per second (ms-2).


Force - The force of an object is determined by its mass multiplied by its acceleration. Force is measured in Newtons (N).