Chemistry in Glow Sticks

Glow sticks are a colorful example of how chemistry makes our lives a little more fun and entertaining. We use them in so many occasions and in so m any ways, as an accessory for school dances, decorations in parties, and a lot of other fun ideas like use them as shoe lacers. We might not put our minds into it, but chemical reactions play a big role in the working process of the glow sticks we use so much for parties and events.

‘The process where light is produced from the chemical reaction in the glow stick is called chemiluminescence’ (Steve Spangler Science). The reaction between the different chemicals in the glow stick causes a release of energy, but this energy only becomes light, there is no heat being produced. ‘When the chemicals are mixed, the atoms are excited causing the electrons to rise to a higher energy level and then returning to their normal energy levels. When they return to their normal levels, they release energy as light.’ (ibid).

 ‘A glow stick holds a hydrogen peroxide solution and another solution that contains phenyl oxalate ester along with a fluorescent dye. The chemical compounds are kept separated in two sections. While the phenyl oxalate ester and dye solution fill the most of the plastic stick, the hydrogen peroxide is contained in a small fragile glass in the middle of the glow stick. When you snap it, the glass breaks and allows the chemicals to mix. The chemicals immediately react with one another and the atoms begin emitting light.’ (ibid). The color of the glow stick is not always the same, and this is possible because the dye is what gives the light a distinctive color, so if the dye is different, consequently the color of the stick will also be.

                ‘This is a chemical reaction that could last for a few hours or days’ (ibid), it all depends on the quantity of chemicals used. If we have a higher amount of hydrogen peroxide the light produced will be brighter, but the on the other hand, if the there is less hydrogen peroxide, the light will be dimmer. We can then conclude that the strength of the light in a glow stick can be influenced by its chemical formulation.

                Even though no heat is produce in this reaction, temperate can actually influence the durability of the light in a glow stick. This happens because ‘depending on the temperature, the rate of the reaction can be speed up or slow down.’ (ibid). A higher temperature will make the reaction happen faster and the light will shine brighter, but the light will also last less time. On the other hand a lower temperature will slow it down and even thought the light is not that strong, it will last more time. So, if we ever want to make a glow stick last after being activated it should be kept on a cold place.  

               Watch the following videos from youtube, and see how fun and incredibly crazy chemistry is.