triboluminescence
Quick Summary
Triboluminescence is a phenomenon where light is produced by friction or mechanical separation of surfaces. This can be observed when certain crystals, like sugar, are crushed, creating visible sparkles. It also occurs when adhesive tapes are stripped from a roll or when salts crystallize from hot solutions.12
The physics behind triboluminescence involves the production of positive and negative electric charges during the mechanical separation of surfaces or crystallization. Light emission then happens through an electric discharge, either directly from molecule fragments or by exciting the surrounding atmosphere. For instance, the blue glow from unrolling adhesive tape is caused by excited nitrogen molecules in the air. The term was introduced by German physicist Elhard Wiedemann in 1888.12
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