The Hidden Science of Fireworks

This is the biggest, brightest, hottest video there is about the science of fireworks. This video is brought to you by Kiwico – go to https://kiwico.com/veritasium for your first month free!

If you’re looking for a molecular modeling kit, try Snatoms – a kit I invented where the atoms snap together magnetically: https://snatoms.com

Check out Gene’s channel here — @PotatoJet

Massive thanks to Mike Tockstein from Pyrotechnic Innovations @PyroInnovations
and Will Scott from Las Vegas Display Fireworks Inc, for all your pyro knowledge and keeping us safe.

▀▀▀
Massive thanks to Gene Nagata from PotatoJet for filming this episode – check out his wonderful channel for more videos about cameras and FPV drones.

Thanks to Brandon Williams for helping with the chemistry and sourcing of materials.

Thanks to Matthew Tosh for the help with the chemistry conversation about fireworks.

Thanks to Simon Werrett for the help with the history of fireworks.

▀▀▀
Werrett, S. (2010). Fireworks: pyrotechnic arts and sciences in European history. University of Chicago Press

▀▀▀
Special thanks to our Patreon supporters:
Emil Abu Milad, Tj Steyn, meg noah, Bernard McGee, KeyWestr, Amadeo Bee, TTST, Balkrishna Heroor, John H. Austin, Jr., john kiehl, Anton Ragin, Diffbot, Gnare, Dave Kircher, Burt Humburg, Blake Byers, Evgeny Skvortsov, Meekay, Bill Linder, Paul Peijzel, Josh Hibschman, Mac Malkawi, Juan Benet, Ubiquity Ventures, Richard Sundvall, Lee Redden, Stephen Wilcox, Marinus Kuivenhoven, Michael Krugman, Sam Lutfi.

▀▀▀
Written by Derek Muller
Edited by Trenton Oliver
Animated by Ivy Tello and Fabio Albertelli
Filmed by Derek Muller, Hunter Peterson, Gene Nagata, Raquel Nuno
Production by Hunter Peterson and Stephanie Castillo
Additional video/photos supplied by Mike Tockstein/Pyrotechnic Innovations
Music from Epidemic Sound & Jonny Hyman
Produced by Derek Muller, Petr Lebedev, Emily Zhang, & Casper Mebius