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Light from Triboluminescence. By Lillian, Robin and Krisha. Definition. Triboluminenescence : the production of light from friction as a result of scratching, crushing, or rubbing certain crystals. How Triboluminescence Works. Still not fully understood by scientists.
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Light from Triboluminescence By Lillian, Robin and Krisha
Definition • Triboluminenescence: the production of light from friction as a result of scratching, crushing, or rubbing certain crystals.
How Triboluminescence Works • Still not fully understood by scientists. • Caused by friction in certain crystals. • The light is produced when the charge asymmetrical (usually) materials break/separate due to friction, and recombine. • This causes a flash of light. • Not all materials that display triboluminescence are asymmetrical. This remains unanswered by scientists.
Application of Triboluminescence • Russian scientists found that the peeling of tape in a vacuum create energy similar to x-rays. • Scientists are currently researching other practical uses for triboluminescence. (NASA has been studying triboluminescent material for smart optical damage sensors for space use.) • Although there are few everyday uses for triboluminescence, understanding how it works helps explain how other types of light is produced.
Examples Where we can see triboluminescence!
Unrolling Friction Tape • Unrolling scotch tape can produce visible light. • As the tape is pulled, localized regions of charge are created.
Wint-O-Green Lifesavers • When these or any hard candies are bitten, friction occurs and causes them to spark in your mouth. • The materials in hard candies cause them to produce light when being smashed.
Works Cited • Aggarwal, M. D., B. G. Penn, J. Miller, S. Sadate, and A. K. Batra. "Triboluminescent Materials for Smart Optical Damage Sensors for Space Applications." NASA, 2008. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. <http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/20080025731_2008024193.pdf>. • Helmenstine, Anne Marie. "Candy Triboluminescence." About Chemistry. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. <http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa060601a_2.htm>. • Scott, Andy. "Triboluminescent Gems." ClassicGems. Web. 17 Apr. 2011. <http://www.classicgems.net/info_Triboluminescence.htm>. • "TLC Cooking "Why Do Wint-O-Green Life Savers Spark in the Dark?"" TLC Cooking "Food and Recipes" Web. 17 Apr. 2011. <http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/question505.htm>.