i am doing a science project and i need to kno how flares work, and what the ingredients are. can someone help me?
Is this the kind of flare you want?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flare_(pyrotechnic)
yes that's the type of flare i want but that doesnt tell me whats in it or how it works.
These sites have the information you need.
http://www.experiencefestival.com/flare_pyrotechnic_-_delivery_and_composition
http://www.spiegl.org/rocket/flare/flare.html
http://wapedia.mobi/en/Flare_(pyrotechnic)
Of course! I can help you understand how flares work and what ingredients are typically used in their composition.
Flares are pyrotechnic devices that produce a bright light and intense heat when ignited. They are commonly used for signaling, illumination, and distress purposes. The chemical reactions that occur within a flare generate the light and heat.
The main ingredients of a flare typically include:
1. Fuel: A combustible material provides the energy for the flare. Commonly used fuels are magnesium, aluminum, or other metals. These metals have high energy content and burn brightly when ignited.
2. Oxidizer: An oxidizer is the substance that supplies oxygen to support the combustion of the fuel. Most flares use potassium nitrate (or sometimes ammonium perchlorate) as the oxidizer.
3. Binder: A binder material holds the fuel and oxidizer together and helps regulate the burn rate of the flare. Common binders include sulfur or pitch (a type of tar).
4. Color-producing agents: In colored flares, additional chemicals are added to produce the desired color. These include strontium nitrate (red), copper chloride (blue), calcium chloride (orange), or barium chloride (green). Each substance emits specific wavelengths of light when burned, resulting in different colors.
5. Igniter: An igniter, such as a small amount of explosives or a friction-based mechanism, is used to initiate the combustion of the flare composition.
To create your own science project on flares, you could try researching different compositions and experimenting with various ratios of the ingredients mentioned above. However, please remember that handling and working with flammable materials can be dangerous, so it's crucial to follow proper safety guidelines and conduct experiments under adult supervision.
If you have access to a chemistry lab or a professional pyrotechnics expert, it's recommended to seek their guidance and expertise for your project.