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Glow in the Dark
Recommended Grade Level(s):
Appropriate for: Middle school and High school
Time Requirements:
Activity Time: 30 minutes
Teaching Topics & Concepts:
• Chemiluminescence
• Properties and changes of properties in matter, transfer of energy
• Observation skills
Background:
Chemiluminescent reactions produce light without heat. Students are familiar with chemiluminescent reactions that occur in
living organisms, like fireflies, jellyfish, bacteria, and algae—these organisms demonstrate bioluminescence reactions. Forensic
scientists use luminol to detect blood—usually used as a last resort because it can damage DNA evidence in blood. Crime lab
investigators can spray a luminol solution, and in the dark, the bloodstains will glow with blue light. Hemoglobin (found in our red
blood cells) contains iron, which reacts with the luminol like the copper in this demonstration.
Materials:
• Sodium carbonate 10-hydrate, Na2CO3·10H2O
• Sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3
• Luminol (3-aminophthalhydrazide)
• Ammonium carbonate monohydrate, (NH4)2CO3
• Copper(II) sulfate 5-hydrate, CuSO4 5H2O
• (2) 1-L Erlenmeyer flasks
• (2) 400-mL glass beakers
• 100-mL graduated cylinder
• Electronic balance
• Deionized water
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Safety
• Read the SDS sheets for all chemicals before using them.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves.
• Have someone remain by the light switch, so no one has to move while the lights are dimmed.
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