How Do Sparklers Work?

This week Reactions is looking into the fiery science of sparklers. Nothing says Forth of July like some good firework chemistry. We're taking an up close, slow motion look at the chemistry of how sparklers work.

Compound Interest's Chemistry of Sparklers infographic:
http://www.compoundchem.com/2014/11/04/sparklers/

Find us on all these places:
Subscribe! http://bit.ly/ACSReactions
Facebook! http://facebook.com/ACSReactions
Twitter! http://twitter.com/ACSReactions
Tumblr! http://tumblr.com/ACSReactions

Music:
Alandra Jones - Strike it up

Writer/Producer: Kirk Zamieroski

Executive Producer:
Adam Dylewski

Scientific consultants:
Chris Mocella
Darcy Gentleman, Ph.D.

Sources:
Making Sparklers - http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ed072p652
Physics of Sparklers - http://www.wired.com/2014/07/the-awesome-physics-in-a-simple-sparkler/
How it’s Made Video - http://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/54590722298
How it works - http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/everyday-innovations/fireworks.htm
Colors of Fireworks - http://www.compoundchem.com/2013/12/30/the-chemistry-of-fireworks/
Chemistry of Sparklers - http://www.compoundchem.com/2014/11/04/sparklers/

Ever wonder why dogs sniff each others' butts? Or how Adderall works? Or whether it's OK to pee in the pool? We've got you covered: Reactions a web series about the chemistry that surrounds you every day.

Reactions is produced by the American Chemical Society.

Next episode

S03E37 - Is Fluoride in Drinking Water Safe?