NOVA Online/Kaboom!/Hot Science: It's Elemental

Pyrotechnics: It's Elemental

Anyone who has seen a fireworks display has probably wondered, "How'd they do that?" Well it's actually quite elemental—The Periodic Table of the Elements, that is. The whiz, bang, pop, and color are all possible by combining the most basic substances of which we know: the elements themselves.

Highlighted in the Periodic Table below are some of the important elements that make a firework work. Click on the elements outlined to find out what their contributions are to a firework. Click here to find out more about the Periodic Table.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sa7SZ6arn1%2BstKO0jqemr5lfoK6ju86mZp6klaKyr8DApWY%3D