How Do Glow Sticks Work?
Dr. Diana Wehrell-Grabowski demonstrates how glow sticks work by dissecting a glow stick to obtain the liquid materials inside the plastic tube and glass vial. Materials are mixed resulting a chemical reaction called chemiluminescence. Chemiluminescence is a chemical reaction resulting in the emission of light but not heat. Dr. Diana also demonstrates how temperature affects the rate of reactions by placing glow sticks in hot and cold water. She then compares the brightness and duration of light. Wear safety goggles and rubber gloves while conducting this experiment. Dr. Diana warns minors not to conduct this experiment.