Differences between Fluorescence, Phosphorescence, Incandescence

Chemistry, Physics
[caption id="attachment_16099" align="alignright" width="440"] Iridescence[/caption] Fluorescence, phosphorescence, incandescence. Though they sound similar, yet they are different. The differences need not be intimidating. First we’ll provide a brief definition of each; afterward, an explanation. We’ll add a few other similar sounding terms as well. These include iridescence, chemiluminescence, and radioluminescence. Fluorescence First, let us note that every one of these terms possesses some connection to light. Fluorescence is the rapid, even immediate emission of radiation, visible or invisible, proceeding the absorption of higher frequency (higher energy, shorter wavelength) radiation such as ultraviolet light. Certain rocks and minerals as well as marine biological specimens are fluorescent emitters. Phosphorescence [caption id="attachment_16101" align="alignright" width="360"] Phosphorescence[/caption] Similar to fluorescence, except the radiation takes place slowly over an extended time period. Heat and combustion are not…
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