Brainspace – July 2019

brainspace SUMMER 2019 15

POTASSIUM and its salts colour flames violet. Potassium is also found in black

powder. It is the seventh most common element in the Earth’s crust and also

occurs in large quantities in seawater. Potassium is an essential nutrient for

plants, which is why it’s in fertilizer. Cramps in your muscles could mean you

may need more potassium-rich foods like bananas in your diet.

MAGNESIUM is used in metallic form, often combined with aluminum, to give

white, flashing effects. Magnesium is oxidized during combustion to form mag-

nesium oxide. Magnesium oxide is a harmless substance, used in medicine to

neutralize stomach acid and acidic effects from other substances, for example

aspirin. Magnesium is the eighth most common element in the Earth’s crust.

COPPER creates the blue colour in fireworks. We get copper from foods

such as grains, beans, potatoes and leafy greens. Copper kills bacteria and

yeasts on contact, according to the journal Applied and Environmental

Microbiology. Copper can even be woven into fabrics to make antimicrobial

garments, like socks that fight foot fungus.

BARIUM creates the green colour in fireworks. Barium nitrate, which can

sometimes be found in fireworks, is toxic to animals. Barium sulfate is used

in large quantities as a contrast agent for X-rays, as a bleaching agent for

paper and as pigment in paint.

LITHIUM and STRONTIUM salts colour flames red.

Lithium is the lightest metal and is used in batteries.

Strontium burns a bright red colour and these salts are used in pyrotechnics

and in the production of flares.

CALCIUM creates the orange colour in fireworks. Calcium phosphide is used

in fireworks, rodenticide, torpedoes and flares. Calcium sulfate is used as

blackboard chalk. Approximately 99 percent of the body’s calcium is stored

in bones and teeth.

SODIUM creates the yellow colour in fireworks. The sodium you get from

salt is what allows nerves to send and receive electrical impulses. Salt-based

water softeners help save energy, save money, and save the environment.

K

Potassium

Ba

Barium

Cu

Copper

Na

Sodium

Ca

Calcium

Li

Lithium

Sr

Strontium

Mg
Magnesium