Luminescence facts for kids
Luminol and haemoglobin, an example of chemiluminescence
Luminescence is light emitted by a substance not caused by heat. In contrast, incandescence is light emitted by a substance as a result of heating.
Luminescence can be caused by chemical reactions, electrical energy, subatomic motions, or piezoelectricity (stress on a crystal). The term 'luminescence' was introduced in 1888 by Eilhard Wiedemann.
The dials, hands, scales and signs of aviation and navigational instruments and markings are often coated with luminescent materials in a process known as 'luminising'.
Some types of luminescence
- Chemiluminescence, the making light from a chemical reaction.
- Bioluminescence, emission as a result of biochemical reaction by a living organism
- Fluorescence, emission after higher-energy electromagnetic radiation is applied
- Phosphorescence, same cause, but emission is delayed, lasting sometimes for hours
- Electroluminescence: Light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Images for kids
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UV-photoluminescence in microbiological diagnostics
See also
In Spanish: Luminiscencia para niños
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Luminescence Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.