Investigation topic 1: Endangered elements in the periodic table
Today’s chemists are involved in many branches of chemistry, covering all 118 elements in the periodic table. Some of these elements are now considered to be critical and endangered, particularly due to the prevalence of modern technologies that rely on many different scarce minerals. It has been estimated that 44 elements will soon be, or are already, facing supply limitations, making a future of continuing technological advancement uncertain.
Questions that may be explored in this investigation include:
· Which chemicals are used in the manufacture of fireworks, what is the environmental impact of the combustion of these chemicals to produce the colourful effects seen in fireworks displays, and what alternatives are available?
Introduction to fireworks
A brief video into the workings of fireworks, exploring the history of fireworks, Newton's Third Law of Motion, oxidizers and quantum leaps.
Khan Academy. (2023). Khanacademy.org. https://www.khanacademy.org/college-careers-more/bjc/2015-challenge/2015-physics/v/bjc-science-of-fireworks
The possibilities of eco-friendly fireworks
Are Eco-Friendly Fireworks Possible?
This website considers the work of engineers in their effort to make pyrotechnics less problematic for the environment.
Hickman, D. (2021, December 31). Are Eco-Friendly Fireworks Possible? - ChemistryViews. ChemistryViews. https://www.chemistryviews.org/details/ezine/11332260/Are_Eco-Friendly_Fireworks_Possible/
Academic literature about fireworks
Review on physicochemical properties of pollutants released from fireworks: environmental and health effects and prevention
Cao, X., Zhang, X., Tong, D. Q., Chen, W., Zhang, S., Zhao, H., & Xiu, A. (2018). Review on physicochemical properties of pollutants released from fireworks: environmental and health effects and prevention. Environmental Reviews, 26(2), 133–155. https://doi.org/10.1139/er-2017-0063
Experimental analysis of tamarind seed powder-based flash powder composition for eco-friendly firecrackers.
Rajendran, M., Ramanathan, R., Ganesan, P., & Shanmugavel, R. (2021). Experimental analysis of tamarind seed powder-based flash powder composition for eco-friendly firecrackers. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 143(4), 3009+. https://link-gale-com.ezproxy.slv.vic.gov.au/apps/doc/A654364979/AONE?u=slv&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=a470ea70
Environmental Research; Studies from Mepco Schlenk Engineering College Have Provided New Data on Environmental Research (Impact of nano particles on safety and environment for fireworks chemicals)
Environmental Research; Studies from Mepco Schlenk Engineering College Have Provided New Data on Environmental Research (Impact of nano particles on safety and environment for fireworks chemicals). (2015, Jan 23). Ecology, Environment & Conservation http://ezproxy.slv.vic.gov.au/login?url=https://www-proquest-com.ezproxy.slv.vic.gov.au/wire-feeds/environmental-research-studies-mepco-schlenk/docview/1645263009/se-2
History of fireworks
A short history from 200BC
The Evolution of Fireworks. (2014). Si.edu. https://ssec.si.edu/stemvisions-blog/evolution-fireworks
Small town stories: Liuyang, the birthplace of fireworks
Small town stories: Liuyang, the birthplace of fireworks_Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States of America. (2022). China-Embassy.gov.cn. http://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zggs/202206/t20220629_10711531.htm
- The Power of Pyrotechnics The article discusses the history of fireworks and pyrotechnics in Europe. After the introduction of fireworks from China in the 13th and 14th centuries, they were first used in the military arts and sciences.
The article discusses the history of fireworks and pyrotechnics in Europe. After the introduction of fireworks from China in the 13th and 14th centuries, they were first used in the military arts and sciences. By the 16th and 17th centuries they became part of church and court celebrations. Other subjects considered include the merger of the artisanship of fireworks with natural philosophy; differences in social attitudes towards fireworks in Russia, Great Britain, and France during the early modern period; and how the scientific study of electricity led to changes in fireworks displays.
Werrett, S. (2010). The Power of Pyrotechnics. History Today, 60(11), pp.10–16.
The manufacture of fireworks
ChemistryViews. (2020). Chemistry of Fireworks [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkVRi3X9xcc&t=28s
This website shares the chemical information of fireworks with clear diagrams, chemical composition breakdown with chemical formulas.
Hickman, D. (2014, December 29). The Chemistry of Fireworks - ChemistryViews. ChemistryViews. https://www.chemistryviews.org/details/ezine/7049061/The_Chemistry_of_Fireworks/
World's largest firework
The, P. (2020). Guinness World Record Biggest Firework, Successful Launch, Steamboat Springs Colorado, 2/8/2020 [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyjKbx36k90
Making fireworks
Making Fireworks out of Bamboo, Sulfur, Potassium Nitrate, and Charcoal
How. (2018). Making Fireworks out of Bamboo, Sulfur, Potassium Nitrate, and Charcoal [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=byLxSAvp5Ik&t=96s
