Using special sensors that can see the faintest luminescence, they hope to observe fractures developing before critical failures could occur. They’re experimenting with integrating triboluminescent materials into high-value items, like bridge structures or spacecraft parts. When they recombine in the presence of nitrogen in the air, they produce cold light, without heat, similar to lightning in a cloud.īesides being a neat trick, researchers are trying to put it to use. It’s thought that the friction or cracking causes positive and negative charges to separate. Scientists are still not exactly sure how this happens. The wintergreen oil will also fluoresce, increasing the effect. Now try crushing the Life Savers with a hammer or pair of pliers. This is called triboluminescence, which happens when some materials rub together or break. You should see a flash of light in one or both pebbles as friction causes them to luminesce-without producing a spark. Try different levels of friction and speed. Now go to a darkened room, let your eyes adjust, and rub the pebbles together. Then grab some safety glasses, because you’ll be smashing things. Next, find some wintergreen Life Savers-or white sugar candies will do.
Here’s a fun experiment you can try at home to make miniature cold lightning using rocks from your yard, or candy.įirst, look for some quartz pebbles. Mechanoluminescence occurs as a candy mint lights up when fractured by impact.Ĭredit: YouTube channel Smarter Every Day 2
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