Chemistry For Your Life How do things glow in the dark?
Oct 31, 2024
Dive into the enchanting world of glow-in-the-dark chemistry! Discover how phosphorescence works, with fascinating insights on electron excitation and the quirky concept of 'forbidden transitions.' The hosts share nostalgic glow-in-the-dark favorites from childhood, sparking memories that connect science with fun. Engaging analogies, like ladders and pinball machines, make complex concepts relatable. Uncover why not all materials glow and explore modern uses, adding a contemporary twist to this spooky topic.
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Slow Reemission Explains Glow-In-The-Dark
- Glow-in-the-dark materials absorb light energy and reemit it slowly as visible light over time.
- Melissa Collini explains this delayed emission is rarer than fluorescence and creates the eerie post-light glow.
Electrons Get 'Trapped' To Create Phosphorescence
- Electrons get excited to higher energy levels and can become 'trapped' instead of immediately returning to ground state.
- Trapped electrons find a hidden pathway back, causing gradual, prolonged light emission or phosphorescence.
Time Scales Make The Glow Dim And Long
- Immediate fluorescence occurs in femtoseconds, while phosphorescence can take seconds to minutes.
- The slow release yields a much dimmer glow because electrons return one-by-one over time.
