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<H2 ALIGN=center>Chewing </H2>

Area of Science: Chemistry 
Meant for at least Grade K-3 (age 5-7). 
This experiment is edible. 
An adult need not be present. 



Overview: 
Mechanical generation of light (by chewing)

Equipment: 
Wintergreen Lifesaver candy (no other flavor will work).

Safety: 
To prevent accidental choking on the candy pieces, have a glass of 
water handy to drink.

How to do the experiment: 
Triboluminescence is the mechanical generation of light. 
Certain chemical bonds will generate light energy when the molecules 
are torn apart by mechanical crushing. Wintergreen Lifesaver candies 
contain some of these bonds. No other flavor of lifesaver candy 
(such as peppermint) will work in this experiment.

1. Find a room with a mirror, that can be made very dark.
 Most bathrooms are good for this experiment. 

2. Fill a glass of water to drink in case you choke on the candy.

3. Wait about 15-20 minutes in the darkened room until you 
 can see your teeth in the mirror. Make certain your eyes have
adjusted to the dark environment.

4. With your lips open so that you can see your teeth, chew a single 
 lifesaver candy while watching your mouth in the mirror.

Each time a part of a Lifesaver is chrushed by your teeth you will
see one or more flashes of white light in your mouth! 
Each piece of candy can produce many flashes of light as 
it is chewed and crushed.

Explanation: 
You are generating light energy by triboluminescence because 
each time you chew the candy your teeth are tearing apart the 
chemical bonds that where formed when the liquid candy was
molded into a solid lifesaver. Wintergreen contains molecules 
that exhibit triboluminescnece. 

Automotive scientists are studing triboluminescent flashes as a way
to sense automobile crashes so that the air bags can be inflated.
Imagine having your life saved by a Lifesaver candy! 

Useful References: 


Further comments: 


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Experiment submitted on Wed Apr 2 18:58:45 1997 by: 
Name: Adrian Popa 
Institution: Hughes Research Labs 
Position: Research Manager 
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Physics is the study of how the universe works. Physicists study everything from tiny particles that make up atoms to huge stars and galaxies. They help us understand how things move, how energy works, and even how time and space are connected!

Certain chemical bonds will generate light energy when the molecules are torn apart by mechanical crushing. Wintergreen Lifesaver candies contain some of these bonds. No other flavor of lifesaver candy (such as peppermint) will work in this experiment. 

Ever wondered how you can make your own light? With this experiment, you can make your own light by simply chewing on a Lifesaver candy! When you chew the candy, electrons jump between the pieces, colliding with nitrogen molecules to make invisible ultraviolet radiation. The candy's wintergreen flavoring absorbs the UV radiation and re-emits it as a spark you can see.

Light Up Your Mouth!

Can we create light by chewing?

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Chewing