Barium chlorate facts for kids
Barium chlorate is a special chemical compound. Its chemical formula is Ba(ClO3)2. It is made of barium and chlorate ions.
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What is Barium Chlorate?
Barium chlorate is a colorless solid. It looks like a white powder or crystals. It is very dangerous because it contains barium. Barium can be harmful if swallowed or touched.
How Barium Chlorate Acts
Barium chlorate is also an oxidizing agent. This means it helps other things burn or react. When you heat it up, it releases oxygen gas. Oxygen helps fires burn hotter and faster.
How Barium Chlorate is Made
Scientists can make barium chlorate in a few ways.
Making it from Other Chemicals
One way is to mix sodium chlorate with barium chloride. These two chemicals react to form barium chlorate.
Using Electricity to Make It
Another method uses electricity. This process is called "electrolytic oxidation." It's similar to how some other chemicals are made using electricity.
Making it with Ammonium Chlorate
It can also be made by mixing ammonium chlorate with barium carbonate. This mixture is then heated. The heat helps change the ammonium carbonate into ammonia gas and carbon dioxide gas.
What Barium Chlorate is Used For
Barium chlorate has a few important uses.
Making Green Fireworks
One of its main uses is in fireworks. It helps create the bright green color you see in many firework displays.
Helping Matches Burn
Barium chlorate is also used in some types of matches. It helps the match burn faster by providing oxygen.
Related pages
Images for kids
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The green color in this firework comes from barium chlorate and barium nitrate.
See also
In Spanish: Clorato de bario para niños
