Fireworks Are Packed With Chemistry Why do some fireworks shoot golden flaming balls while others produce green sparks? It's just chemistry. Bassam Shakhashiri, chemistry professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains the science of fireworks.

Must-See Science: Videos From Science Friday

Fireworks Are Packed With Chemistry

July 3, 20091:00 PM ET

Heard on Talk of the Nation

Fireworks Are Packed With Chemistry

Listen · 6:53 6:53

Download
Embed <iframe src="https://www.npr.org/player/embed/106246277/106246268" width="100%" height="290" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" title="NPR embedded audio player">
Transcript

Why do some fireworks shoot golden flaming balls while others produce green sparks? It's just chemistry. Bassam Shakhashiri, chemistry professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains the science of fireworks.

Celebrate explosive chemistry.

Special Series