Diwali 2022: Ever wondered why do skyrockets go up in air and explode? Know reason, science behind it

Diwali 2022: Diwali or Deepawali, a festival of light, is being celebrated on October 24 this year across the country. People pan India - light diyas (earthen lamps) and lights at their homes, shops, offices, factories and wherever possible.  

Diwali is mainly celebrated/commemorated as return of Lord Ram with Sita and Laxman to Ayodhya after completing 14 years exile. 

Firecrackers are also burnt to celebrate the festival, however, amid increasing level of air pollution, restrictions have been imposed on the burning of crackers in many states. 

Among many firecrackers, there is one Skyrocket which explodes in the sky after being set ablaze on ground. Let’s find out the reasons behind this, including science around it. 

Bombs explode in the air 

It should be noted that the gunpowder filled in rocket bombs is same that is used to make other firecrackers. However, ever wondered what is so special about these rockets that help them to explode not on the ground but in the air? And why does this happen? 

Reason behind it 

There is no doubt that rocket bombs, like other bombs, contain the same gunpowder. However, there is a difference in the process of making. While creating the skyrockets, the workers use the magic of science. 

Science behind it 

A rocket bomb has an air shell, which propels it into the air. This shell is placed inside a tube, called a mortar. Under the shell, there is a lifting charge of gunpowder, in which the fuse is mounted.  

When this fuse is lit with a fire, the gunpowder explodes, producing a lot of heat and gas. This heat and gas create tremendous pressure under the shell. And, then the pressure gets too high, the shell blows into the air and explodes.