Chemiluminescence Sam & Tina 

What Is Chemiluminescence? This is the production of light from a chemical (exothermic) reaction. Did you know? The colours produced when metals are burnt is an example of this. This is the question that your experiment answers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemiluminescence

Who Discovered Chemiluminescence? Hennig Brand was a German alchemist from 1669. He heated residue from boiled down urine; the result emitted a pale green glow. The glow emitted is due to phosphorous being in an excited state. He realised it was chemiluminescence. This was phosphorous; he named it from the Greek word ‘light-bearing’. Above: Hennig Brand. http://www.chemistryexplained.com/Ce-Co/Chemiluminescence.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hennig_Brand https://alchetron.com/Hennig-Brand-1073284-W

How Does It Work? The simplest chemiluminescent reaction is between nitric oxide (NO) and Ozone (O3 ). It’s only 10% efficient, in which the yield is nitrogen dioxide (NO2). NO + O3 → NO2* + O2 NO2* → NO2 + hv Luminol: This molecule is used frequently in lab demonstrations of chemiluminescence. Luminol-mediated chemiluminescence is the result of oxidation. Above: Skeletal diagram of luminol. http://www.chemistryexplained.com/Ce-Co/Chemiluminescence.html

Bioluminescence Bioluminescence: production and emission of light by an organism; it’s a type of chemiluminescence. Marine vertebrates and invertebrates, bacteria, fungi. Have an organ called the phytophore, which is a light-producing organ made of photogenic cells. Involves a chemical reaction, in which an enzyme catalyses the oxidation of a light-emitting molecule. Uses include: counter-illumination camouflage, luring prey, and attracting mates. Summarize your research in three to five points. Above: anglerfish- uses bioluminescence to attract prey. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bioluminescence http://photobiology.info/LeeBasicBiolum.html

A Glow Stick That Can Detect Cancer? At Tel Aviv University, a probe that is 3000x brighter than current probes was made. Adjusted electronic structures of current probes; improved the fluorescence. Method developed to prepare compounds that can emit light on specific proteins/chemicals associated with cancer and diseases. Uses: helping to diagnose cancer- it has practical application. Reduces energy consumption, as less components are needed. Suitable for direct use; it’s relatively safer. Above: Glow sticks. https://phys.org/news/2017-05-cancer.html

Conclusion Chemiluminescence is very helpful presently for both recreational and professional uses. It could improve medical techniques in the future, which can help to diagnose cancer and other diseases. Thus, it is important for humans. Above: A meme.