Duct Tape

 

Code Number: 7B13.05

Demo Title: Triboluminescence

Condition: Excellent

Principle: Resonance Radiation

Area of Study: Modern Physics

Equipment: 

Duct Tape with cloth backing.

Procedure:

Cut off two 12" strips of duct tape.  Lightly press two short sections of the duct tape together.  Go into a darkened room and wait 60 seconds for your eyes to adjust.  Pull the duct tape apart and you should see a bluish-white flash of light.

References:

  • Myra West, "Another "Light" Candy", TPT, Vol. 10, # 8, Nov. 1973, p. 426.
  • J. S. Huebner, "More Friction Than Light", TPT, Vol. 10, # 8, Nov. 1973, p. 426.
  • Dwight Williamson, "An Illuminating Fad?- Certainly!", TPT, Vol. 10, # 8, Nov. 1972, p. 426.
  • Jearl Walker,  "How to Capture on Film the Faint Glow Emitted When Sticky Tape is Peeled Off a Surface",  The Amateur Scientist,  December 1987.
  • Jearl Walker,  "In Which a Lifesaver Lights Up in the Mouth and Light Takes Funny Bounces Through a Lens",  The Amateur Scientist,  July, 1982.
  • Janice VanCleave, "94, Light From Candy?", Teaching the Fun of Physics, p. 141.
  • Jearl Walker, "5.19, Wintergreen Glow in the Closet", The Flying Circus of Physics Ed. 2, p. 227.
  • Jearl Walker, "5.17, Glow in Peeling Adhesive Tape", The Flying Circus of Physics Ed. 2, p. 226.
  • Linda M. Sweeting, "Scientific Experiments at Home: Wintergreen Candy and Other Triboluminescent Materials",  Towson University.
  • 6.09:  R.D. Edge, "Triboluminescence", String and Sticky Tape Experiments.
  • 6.11:  Jearl Walker, "Scotch Tape Glow", The Flying Circus of Physics with Answers.
  • T. D. Rossing, C. J. Chiaverina, "#12, Triboluminescence", Light Science, Physics and Visual Arts, p. 102.
  • Joey Green, "Duct Tape Lightning", The Mad Scientist Handbook, Vol. 2, p. 27.
  • Joey Green, "Exploring Life Savers", The Mad Scientist Handbook, Vol. 1, p. 23.
  • Sara Stein, "Charges - Hard Candy Sparks", The Science Book, p. 227.
  • Borislaw Bilash II, “Flash Candy“, A Demo A Day – A Year of Physical Science Demonstrations, p. 118.