Fluorescent materials produce light instantly, when the atoms inside them absorb energy and become "excited." When the atoms return to normal, in as little as a hundred thousandth of a second, they give out the energy that excited them as tiny particles of light called photons. Phosphorescent materials work in much the same way as fluorescent ones, except that there's a delay between them absorbing energy and removed giving out light. Sometimes phosphorescence lasts for a few seconds after the stimulating energy has been; sometimes, it lasts for hours. Usually, it takes a bit of time to "charge up" a luminous watch with energy before it glows. A luminous watch shines most in the early part of the night. Bioluminescence is very different from fluorescent and phosphorescent. It is a light given of by LIVING things such as fireflies, glow-worms, and many marine creatures.
Fluorescent materials produce light instantly, when the atoms inside them absorb energy and become "excited." When the atoms return to normal, in as little as a hundred thousandth of a second, they give out the energy that excited them as tiny particles of light called photons.
ReplyDeletePhosphorescent materials work in much the same way as fluorescent ones, except that there's a delay between them absorbing energy and removed giving out light. Sometimes phosphorescence lasts for a few seconds after the stimulating energy has been; sometimes, it lasts for hours. Usually, it takes a bit of time to "charge up" a luminous watch with energy before it glows. A luminous watch shines most in the early part of the night.
Bioluminescence is very different from fluorescent and phosphorescent. It is a light given of by LIVING things such as fireflies, glow-worms, and many marine creatures.