Fuse Problem Solving
Go Back to "Don't Blow a Fuse"
Question #1
A firework has a fast acting side fuse 23 cm long. How much time will it take from the when the side fuse is ignited to when the firework is launched? Recall: The side fuse is made of quick match, which burns at a rate of 40 m/sec.
In question #1 we find that the time required for a typical side fuse to burn is extremely fast. Thus, in the following questions, we will neglect the side fuse burning time.
Question #2
A fireworks technician ignites a 14 cm long main fuse. How many seconds does the technician have to get away before the firework launches? Recall: Main fuses are made of black match, which burns at 2.5 cm/sec. Assume the time required for the fast acting side fuse to burn is negligible.
Question #3
A technician ignites a firework main fuse. 7.2 seconds later the firework is launched. How long was the main fuse? Assume the time required for the fast acting side fuse to burn is negligible.
Question #4
Two fireworks are connected by a quick match fuse 32 meters long. How much time will pass after the first firework launches before the second firework is launched? Recall: Quick match fuses burn at a rate of 40 m/sec.
Question #5
What length of quick match fuse should be used to connect two fireworks if they are to be launched 0.65 seconds apart?
Question #6
A firework takes 2.8 seconds after lighting to reach its maximum height. What length of time delay fuse is required to make the firework explode at its maximum height? Recall: Time delay fuses are black match fuses.
Congratulations, you have finished the Fuse activity.