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Sugar Emit Green Light In The Dark

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Sugar Cube Light Green Dark Darkness Physics Experiments Hammer Smash Piezoelectricity
Akahad
  • By: Akahad
  • Subscribers: 45
  • Updated: 24-Jul-07
  • Videos: 5
  • International English
  • Comments: 5
  • Views: 3,521
  • Added: 07-Dec-06

A nice physics experiment to see! The compression on the sugar crystal, creates a charge separation inside it (a phenomenon called piezoelectricity). This charge separation creates enough current to excite nitrogen in the air. The nitrogen emits light.
Wintergreen candies (if you can find them in your country) will make a stronger light. Quartz crystal will do the same and it can even light a LED if connected with. You can also crush the crystal with a pair of pliers.

Have you ever tried to smash small sugar cubes in total darkness with a hammer ? It's hard :)

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Comments on

Sugar Emit Green Light In The Dark

5 Comments | Add Comment
  • piezoelectricity

    Wrong. Sugar doesn't cause charge when it is broken. As it is deformed prior to breaking atoms in some parts of the crystal have their electron clouds stretched causing a net positive, and a net negative on the other side. When it fissures electricity goes through.

    By jasonofcompsci 1201147592 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
  • Similar

    You get a similar effect if instead of sugar, you smash your hand with a hammer ...
    It works even better if you can hit the spot right in the middle of your forhead. More colorfull, too.
    LOL!

    By TheFlynn 1174549101 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
  • kool

    well ive noticed while i was at the becah at night that is you put ur hand on top of the sand and drag it back and forth while its wet it also gives off light. i did it like 3 months ago while i was in california its kool you should try it

    By wildmooseboy 1169186039 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
  • nice

    probably same explanation for the observation of deep blue flash light in nuclear reactors at meltdown of the core.

    By thegameguy5 1167444649 Reply Spam Moderate Up Moderate Down
5 Comments | Add Comment