Flares have been used to send signals since the 19th century. Over the years, it has saved countless lives who got lost in the sea. Do you wonder what makes them so special? What is the science behind their work? Let's find out.
A flare is basically a tube packed with chemicals that burn explosively giving off smoke or bright light to attract attention in an emergency.
Types of flares:
Handheld flares work as we held them in hand. Signal flares give off bright red light. While smoke flares give off smoke. Smoke flares can be held in hand, thrown on the ground or dropped in the sea (used mainly in the day). They are visible up to 5km and their duration range from 30 seconds to several minutes.
Rocket flares work in the day and night too. They are shot off in the air and can be seen from a much farther distance than handheld flares (40km). They are designed just like fireworks and work in two stages. The first stage propels the inner part into the air. At the height of 100m, the second stage of the flare ignites and gives off bright red/orange light. Some rocket flares are fired from a flare pistol or Very pistol.
Flares that burn with red or orange light indicate an emergency and quick action is needed. White flares are used to illuminate an area during the night to prevent a sudden collision at sea.
Flares consist of chemicals that are not only dangerous (if not handled carefully, they can cause damage just like fireworks) but also gives off chemicals that pollute the environment. Scientists have built LED flares that work on electricity and give off bright red light with beams reaching several kilometres in all directions.
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