How Fireworks Explode in 5 Steps The chemistry of a fireworks show, according to legend, goes back perhaps 2,000 years.<br /> It’s a tried and true sequence of events that can be broken down into 5 steps.<br /> 1. This charge propels the firework aerial shell upwards once the power is ignited.<br /> 2. This ignites the bursting charges once the shell is aloft.<br /> 3. This ignites the releasing stars in the correct sequence.<br /> 4. These are the chemical explosives that burst to produce colorful streaks.<br /> 5. The cardboard shell casing rains down into a firework fallout zone, landing on the ground as charred remains.
