Valentine’s Day is usually hearts, roses, and chocolates but this year, let’s add some science for a real chemistry glow‑up! These three liquids all look the same but under the right conditions – one will glow!
Here’s what you need: (tonic water, club soda, plain water, 3 glasses, and a UV light)
What you do:
- Pour each liquid into its own clear cup
- Line them up side by side
- Leave the room lights on at first
- Turn off the regular lights and turn on the UV light
What’s the Science? Unlike club soda and plain water, tonic water contains quinine which has a fluorescence property when exposed to UV light. When the light hits the quinine molecules, it absorbs the UV energy and releases visible blue light – a real glow up!
You can vary this activity up by asking students which cup will glow before the lights go off or experiment with other liquids to see if they will glow.
This Valentine’s Day have fun exploring real chemistry that will surprise you!
Leave a Reply