Which one among the following metals is used in fireworks to make a brilliant white light ?

Magnesium is the metal primarily used in fireworks to produce a brilliant white light. When magnesium burns in air, it undergoes a chemical reaction with oxygen to form magnesium oxide, releasing intense heat and a dazzling white flame [3]. This property makes it essential for improving the brilliance of fireworks and creating white sparks. While aluminium is also used for silver and white sparks, magnesium is specifically noted for its intense, high-visibility white flame and its use in illumination flares. Sodium, by contrast, produces a characteristic yellow or gold flame. Silver is not typically used as a fuel or colorant in pyrotechnics due to its cost and chemical properties; instead, the 'silver' color in fireworks is achieved using powders of magnesium, aluminium, or titanium.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > 3.2.1 What happens when Metals are burnt in Air? > p. 41
2. [2] Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Changes Around Us: Physical and Chemical > 5.3.2 Combustion > p. 62
3. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Chemical Reactions and Equations > Figure 1.1 Burning of a magnesium ribbon in air and collection of magnesium oxide in a watch-glass > p. 2