Which of the following processes are primarily responsible for the emission of light in fireworks?

• A. Sublimation, deposition, and melting
• B. Oxidation, reduction, and neutralization
• C. Evaporation, condensation, and precipitation
• D. Combustion, excitation of electrons, and relaxation of electrons

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the emission of light in fireworks is due to chemical and physical processes that produce energy in the form of light.
2. Recognize that combustion is a chemical reaction where a substance reacts with oxygen, releasing energy, often as heat and light.
3. Know that during combustion, electrons in atoms or molecules can become excited to higher energy levels by absorbing energy.
4. Realize that when these excited electrons return (relax) to their original lower energy levels, they release energy in the form of visible light.
5. Conclude that the primary processes responsible for light emission in fireworks are combustion, excitation of electrons, and relaxation of electrons, rather than phase changes or other chemical reactions like oxidation-reduction or neutralization.