What makes tonic water glow in the dark

Create your free account or Sign in to continue. See Subscription Options. Go Paperless with Digital. Materials Tonic water Clear, plastic, disposable cup Measuring cup optional Medicine dropper Bleach Ultraviolet "black light" bulb This can be purchased at a party supply store or some hardware stores.

A room that can be darkened Preparation When handling the bleach, be sure to read and follow all safety precautions listed on the container. Adult assistance is required when handling bleach. Do not drink the bleach or the tonic water mixed with the bleach, and be careful to not get it on your skin. Avoid looking directly at the ultraviolet "black light" and shining it on your skin because the light can damage your eyes and skin.

Procedure Pour about one cup of tonic water into a clear plastic, disposable cup. In a darkened room turn on the ultraviolet black light and shine it on the cup. What happens to the tonic water in the cup when the black light shines on it? While still shining the black light on the cup of tonic water, use the medicine dropper to carefully add two drops of bleach to the tonic water. Carefully mix the bleach in with the tonic. What happens when the bleach is added to the tonic? What happens after the bleach is mixed in with it?

But then, there are other things that glow in the dark that may shock you. One of these things is tonic water, says Scientific American. Yes, that bubbly beverage you mix with your gin or sip solo with whichever accompaniments you desire doesn't just taste good, it actually glows in the dark.

But what makes it glow? Next: Instructions. Science Buddies. Was this review helpful? Report Inappropriate Comment. Be the first one to review this activity. Active Time. Ask an Expert. Post a Question. To work the magic, simply add black lights to light your own glowing concoctions. If you want to make glowing drinks, get a pocket-sized black light ultraviolet lamp and take it shopping with you. Shine the light on products and look for a glow. Note that the glow may be a different color from the product.

Also, you will discover many plastic containers are highly fluorescent. Here is a list of beverages and additives that reputedly glow in the dark under black light. Some fluorescent and phosphorescent substances will glow for several seconds after the light source is removed. Of these options, tonic water glows the most brightly under black light.

Cranberry juice is not fluorescent, but it may be mixed with tonic water to offset the flavor and tint the blue so it appears purple or reddish. Clear soft drinks typically appear to glow under a black light because the bubbles from the carbonation reflect back the visible portion of light from the lamp. You can make any drink appear to glow by using glowing products:. Actively scan device characteristics for identification.