You're A Firework (Scientifically Speaking)

NPR's Skunk Bear YouTube

Take a basic firework — a mortar shell shot up into the air during Fourth of July displays. The explosive black powder in that firework contains almost the exact same amount of energy as a simple hot dog.

The firework uses the energy in black powder to fill the sky with light. We use the energy in a hot dog to do everything — move, breathe, think, stay alive.

And here's the surprising thing: the firework and your body use the same basic chemical process to get at that energy. Luckily, as Skunk Bear's latest video explains, our version of this reaction is a bit less explosive.

Want to learn more about fireworks? This Skunk Bear video explains the chemistry behind their bright colors. (Hint: It has something to do with everyday table salt.)

NPR's Skunk Bear YouTube

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