Light Production

Question 1

Incandescence

Answer 1

Explanation: Production of light as a result of high temperature
Example: Burning candle

Question 2

Light from Electric Discharge

Answer 2

Explanation: Process of producing light by passing an electric current through a gas
Example: Neon sign/lights

Question 3

Phosphorescence

Answer 3

Explanation: Process of producing light by the absorption of UV light, resulting in the emission of visible light over an extended period of time
Example: Glow in the dark objects

Question 4

Fluorescence

Answer 4

Explanation: Immediate emission of visible light as a result of the absorption of UV light. Not as hot.
Example: Energy saving light bulbs

Question 5

Chemiluminescence

Answer 5

Explanation: Direct production of light as the result of a chemical reaction with little or no heat produced
Example: Glow sticks

Question 6

Bioluminescence

Answer 6

Explanation: Production of light in living organisms as the result of a chemical reaction with little or no heat produced
Example: Fireflies!

Question 7

Triboluminescence

Answer 7

Explanation: Production of light from friction as a result of scratching, crushing or rubbing certain crystals
Example: Self-sealing envelopes opened in the dark produce a blue glow

Question 8

Light Emitting Diode (LED)

Answer 8

Explanation: Light produced as a result of an electric current flowing in semi-conductors
Example: LED lights in outdoor lighting

Question 9

Laser

Answer 9

Explanation: When electrons in the atoms in optical materials like glass, crystal, or gas absorb the energy from an electrical current or a light, the extra energy “excites” the electrons enough to move from a lower-energy orbit to a higher-energy orbit around the atom’s nucleus.