Difference between revisions of "Fireworks"
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===Abstract=== | ===Abstract=== | ||
| − | The basic chemistry principles underlying fireworks are taught in introductory chemistry classes. During our presentation, these basic principles will be reviewed and shown how they are applied to the fireworks industry. Live classroom-scale demonstrations will be conducted, a detailed anatomy of an | + | The basic chemistry principles underlying fireworks are taught in introductory chemistry classes. During our presentation, these basic principles will be reviewed and shown how they are applied to the fireworks industry. Live classroom-scale demonstrations will be conducted, a detailed anatomy of an aerial shell will be discussed, and a behind the scenes look at a fireworks show will be presented in photos and videos. |
===Brad Bio=== | ===Brad Bio=== | ||
Latest revision as of 07:44, 26 October 2019
The Chemistry of Fireworks and More
Bradley E. Sturgeon and Steven P. Distin
Monmouth College, Department of Chemistry
Abstract
The basic chemistry principles underlying fireworks are taught in introductory chemistry classes. During our presentation, these basic principles will be reviewed and shown how they are applied to the fireworks industry. Live classroom-scale demonstrations will be conducted, a detailed anatomy of an aerial shell will be discussed, and a behind the scenes look at a fireworks show will be presented in photos and videos.
Brad Bio
Brad received a BS/MS in Chemistry from Illinois State University in 1987/1989 and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Davis in 1994. Brad was a postdoctoral fellow at Northwestern University, University of Chicago Medical Center, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences/NIH. Brad's professional life has been spent in academia ranging from teaching at a residential science and math high school through major research university. Brad settled in to the small liberal arts college environment 12 years ago by joining the faculty at Monmouth College in 2007. Brad's research interests include the detection of enzyme-generated radical intermediates using ESR/EPR spectroscopy, detection/identification of radical-derived products using HPLC, and application of computational approaches to understanding electrostatic mapping of unpaired electrons in small organic radicals. In addition to these academic pursuits, Brad has studied the science underlying coffee, beer, and fireworks. In 2011, Brad's obtained his pyrotechnicians' license under J&M Displays and continues to develop chemistry demonstrations related to energetic chemistry reactions.
Steve Bio
Steve received a B.A. in biology from Monmouth College in 2008 where he conducted research on lipid monolayers and their interaction with organic vanadium complexes. He worked for a year as a Para-optometric at Drs. Distin and Doyle. His chemistry minor led to his employment in the Chemistry Department at Monmouth College starting in 2009 as the lab manager. Steve became a certified pyrotechnician in 2016 with J&M Displays.