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Does the glue used on envelopes emit light when its chemical bonds are broken?

The other day I was opening a letter at dusk without the room lights on.  As I pulled the seal apart, I thought I saw small flashes of bluish light at the as the strands of glue broke. Has anyone heard of energy being released in the form of light when glue bonds are broken?  Might there be some phospherent chemical in the glue which is activated when the material is stressed?

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Categories: Technology.

Tags: energy, glue, chemicalbonds, visiblelight.

 

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Jon-Richfield says:

No special chemical is included specifically for such purposes, but it is well known that many common chemicals such as crystalline sugar, sugar in mints, and plastic adhesives do produce light when suitably stressed or broken.

If you wish to experiment on various substances, do make sure that you prepare your mateials in advance, work in pitch dark, and adapt your vision for at least half an hour.  For most people longer would be better.

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Tags: energy, glue, chemicalbonds, visiblelight.

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posted on 2009-12-17 07:31:01 | Report abuse


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