How high does a fireworks shell go when fired?
The video below shows the approximate heights for various sized fireworks shells, including the rule of thumb pyrotechnicians use, along with things that may effect how high a firework may go.
What is the difference between consumer fireworks and professional fireworks?
Follow along as pyrotechnic expert Mike Tockstein takes you through the differences between these two classes of fireworks and what consumers use vs. the pyrotechnic professionals. Some things may surprise you!
How do Whistling Fireworks Work?
Not how you think! Explore the fascinating science behind pyrotechnic whistles.
Would Fireworks Ignite in a Hot Car?
Consider a warm sunny day and how hot it actually gets inside your car. What if you had a few cases of fireworks in that car, would they go off? Mike gives you the answer and the science behind it.
Are Fireworks Actually Explosives?
Mike takes you through the differences between high explosives and low explosives, along with some neat facts and examples of how each type of explosive works.
Would Fireworks Work on the Moon?
Join pyrotechnician Mike Tockstein as he takes you through all the surprising science and things you might not think about when it comes to shooting fireworks. There are a ton of differences and considerations when looking to shoot fireworks on the moon.
How large is the burst diameter of a fireworks shell?
Once again, the larger the fireworks shell, the larger the burst diameter. This is one of the reasons the larger shells must travel higher before the explode, as shown in the plot above. The general rule is 45 feet in diameter for ever inch of firework caliber. The graphic below clarifies this point. Be sure to check out our video on how fireworks work, and how to tell the difference between professional and consumer fireworks.
How fast does a fireworks shell travel when fired from a mortar?
The larger the fireworks shell, the faster it's muzzle velocity is when leaving the fireworks "gun" or mortar. In general, fireworks are traveling hundreds of feet per second when the leave the mortar.
What is the average length of a 4th of July Fireworks Display?
The average 4th of July fireworks display lasts between 10 and 25 minutes. The length of the fireworks display does not necessarily translate to quality of the show. For a given budget, the shorter you keep your display, the better it will be.
