fireworks
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A Pyrotechnics Chemist Explains the Science Behind Fireworks
For many people around the world, the very first moments of the new year will be filled with the sounds and colourful light shows of fireworks. From loud bangs to long whistles, bright reds to pale blues, there are thousands of variations of fireworks and an entire branch of chemistry that explores these fun explosions.…
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How Fireworks Impact The Environment, And Your Health
Every New Year’s Eve, global cities light up in shades of green, pink and gold as organisers unleash tonnes of combustible fireworks into the atmosphere. While it makes for an undeniably pretty sight, fireworks cause significant air pollution and leach harmful chemicals into the air that can cause health issues down the track. With much…
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Gratuitous Fruit-on-Fruit Violence In Slow Motion Is Like An Edible Fireworks Show
A real fireworks show requires trained professionals to handle the explosive materials, and a location that’s safe for fiery debris to rain down onto. But as The Slow Mo Guys discovered, you can get a similarly satisfying explosive experience with a high-speed camera and a couple of fruit-blasting cannons.
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How Australia Is Transforming The World Of Fireworks
Over a thousand years ago, Chinese alchemists created an early form of gunpowder. Made primarily of potassium nitrate, sulfur and charcoal, the ingredients were packed into bamboo shoots and thrown into the fire. The idea was that the subsequent explosion of noise and light would ward off evil spirits. A millennium later, we use this…