TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Is there anything more satisfying than cracking a glow stick and watching it light up? Probably, but if you're a kid nothing beats it. But how does this fluid get it's signature glow?
For the answer, we reached out to our friends at the FSU Chemistry Department, Dr. Mark Kearley and his lab assistant Chris Brewer.
According to them, "You have a chemical reaction that produces a high energy molecule and that high energy molecule transfers its energy to a fluorescer."
The entire process requires several chemicals to supply the energy that causes the sticks to light up and turn blue. The main compound is called TCPO which is made with a fluorescer called perylene which will light up and turn the solution blue.
It also requires a solvent that breaks down the chemicals to cause the reaction such as very strong hydrogen peroxide, which actually initiates the glowing process.
When you have a store bought glow stick, there is a glass barrier that separates the chemicals. When it breaks, it allows the chemicals to react.
For more fun Tscience, tune into Tsaparis Tscience every Wednesday morning on WTXL's Sunrise.
