CHEMISTRY THAT GLOWS

Many chemical reactions release energy. Most often the form of that energy release includes heat - like in the case of combustion. Some reactions, however, release their energy in the form of light. This type of energy release is called luminescence. Fireflies use this reaction to generate their characteristic summer glow and that process is often called bioluminescence.

In our case we have a chemical called luminol that will release light when it is in an excited energy state. We put it into that excited state by virtue of a chemical reaction. So, when we pour the two solutions together into the funnel and the corkscrew of tubing beneath it, the reaction starts and the luminol emits the light. We send it through the tubing only so that it takes a long time and you have a better chance to see it.

Glow sticks use the same principle. They have both of the needed chemicals together, but unmixed. When you snap the glowstick, it allows them to mix, and the luminescent reaction begins.