What is the amount of energy released from an exploding firecracker?

[Sack Boy]

Let's say the standard size firecracker if there is a standard.

 

[cragar]

What about doing an experiment? Make a pendulum with a little cup on the end and set the firecracker in their and try to focus the explosion so it will rotate the pendulum ,
Then measure the change in height of the pendulum . mgh is the gravitational potential energy. Ballistic pendulum idea or do something with momentum conservation.

 

[spinnaz]

and try to focus the explosion

Nope. Too many losses, would introduce errors on the order of 50% or more.

 

[Borek]

Using standard enthalpy tables will get you quite close to the answer.

Perhaps the best experimental approach is to make the firecracker explode in a calorimeter. Some ideas are probably mentioned in this book: http://www.springerlink.com/content/x40850v6628r6270/

 

[pmacias]

The amount of energy released from an exploding firecracker can vary depending on the size and composition of the firecracker. However, on average, a standard size firecracker can release anywhere from 1 to 5 joules of energy. This energy is released in the form of heat, light, and sound as the chemical reactions within the firecracker rapidly release stored energy. It is important to note that the amount of energy released can be affected by factors such as temperature, humidity, and altitude.