How Do Glow Sticks Work?

Introduction

Glow sticks have been around for 25 years. They were invented by the United States military and Van Zandt and Richard Taylor independently around the same time, however Van Zandt and Taylor are the ones who got the patent for it in 1976. 

Chemical Luminescence versus Photoluminescence

During chemical luminescence light is generated through a chemical reaction. Glow sticks work by a chemical reaction placing them in this category. Photo luminescence is the process by which glow in the dark products must absorb light first and then release that light over time. An example of a glow in the dark product that works by use of photo luminescence are those glow in the dark stars and planets that people might stick on their bedroom wall to create their own planetarium. The distinct difference between chemical luminescence and photo luminescence is that for light to work via chemical luminescence a chemical reaction has to occur, however during photo luminescence light is released without a chemical reaction.

How Do Glow sticks work?

For a glowstick to work, there has to be a reaction between two non-toxic chemicals. One of the chemicals is contained in a small glass tube that is placed within a larger plastic tube which contains the 2nd chemical. The glowing occurs when the glass tube is broken by bending the stick. The chemicals then mix together which causes the glowing to begin.

How to make a "Glow Stick"

   * Kids do not try this without adult supervision!

Chemical Light must be made in two parts.

A.  4 grams Sodium Carbonate

     0.2 grams luminol

     0.5 grams ammonium carbonate

     0.4 grams cupric sulfate

    mix well with 1 liter of distilled water

B.  50 ml of 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with 1 liter of distilled water

Once the two parts are completed just mix them together and you will have a glowing liquid

How long do they Glow for?

The amounts of the mix of chemicals used determines how long a glow stick will last. There are typically two types of glow sticks, high intensity/short duration and low intensity/long duration. Glow sticks that are high intensity/short duration may give off an excessive amount of light for only five minutes. This is due to temperature. If the temperature is 20-27 degrees Celsius or higher the light will be brighter for a shorter period of time. Glow sticks that are low intensity/long duration may not give off an intense amount of light but can last up to 24 hours. In glow sticks that are low intensity/long duration the temperature is below 20-27 degrees Celsius and will give off a lower light.

Uses For Glow Sticks and Chemical Light

• Military- need a safe "cold light" that doesn't produce electricity or give off heat.
• Camping- as a spare light source
• Fishing- mainly to catch swordfish and tuna because they are attracted to the luminescence.
• Emergency situations- Storms, power outages, underwater and equipment for firefighters.
• Outdoor
• Clocks and watches
• Remote controls and phone pads
• Emergency exit signs
• Vehicle and aircraft instrumental panels
• Scuba divers- because glow sticks can be used underwater, they are light weight and don't require batteries.
• Outdoor events
• Concerts
• Raves, Parties and Adult clubs
• Halloween- as a safe alternative to a flashlight for trick or treaters
• Other Holidays- especially 4th of July.

Links

www.scienceprojects.net

www.glow-magic.bigstep.com/generic.html?pid=7- this website has a cool experiment that is related to how temperature affects the brightness of a glow stick. So go there! You'll love it!

www.glowlight.com- this website had a lot of great information, so check it out!

www.lightsticks.freeserve.co.uk/- this website provide us with a majority of the information used.

www.OneGlow.com- this website provided us with some history of glow sticks, but also included some other useful facts.